Wetlands are what the Ramsar Convention defines as “areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters.” 

But As per the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 wetlands are “area of marsh, fen, peatland or water; whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters, but does not include river channels, paddy fields, human-made water bodies/ tanks specifically constructed for drinking water purposes and structures specifically constructed for aquaculture, salt production, recreation and irrigation purposes.”

India ratified the Ramsar convention on February 1st, 1982. There are currently 75 locations in India that are Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites).

Wetlands make up 6.4% of the earth’s surface on a global scale. India currently has 75 sites with a total surface area of 1,326,677 hectares that have been designated as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites). It is South Asia’s largest network of Ramsar Sites. Khijadia Bird Sanctuary near Jamnagar in Gujarat and Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh have recently been recognised as wetlands of international importance by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

Ramsar Wetlands Sites In India