In a significant boost to India’s commitment to environmental conservation, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has praised the addition of two more Indian wetlands to the internationally acclaimed Ramsar list. Khichan in Phalodi and Menar in Udaipur—both located in the desert state of Rajasthan—have officially been recognized as Ramsar Sites, bringing India’s total to an impressive 91.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), announcing the inclusion of Khichan and Menar as Ramsar Sites. He described the achievement as a reflection of the government’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding India’s natural heritage. “Under the visionary leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi, India’s environmental efforts are earning global recognition,” he wrote.

Prime Minister Modi welcomed the update with enthusiasm, highlighting the role of community participation in driving India’s environmental progress. He shared, “Great news! India’s strides in environmental conservation are happening with great vigour and are powered by public participation.”

Ramsar Sites: A Global Recognition

Ramsar Sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty signed in 1971 for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. Being designated as a Ramsar Site not only raises the ecological profile of a region but also attracts international attention, expertise, and resources for better protection and conservation.

Spotlight on khichan and menar

Khichanlocated in Phalodi in Rajasthan, is a haven for migratory birds, especially the Demoiselle Cranes. Every winter, the skies above Khichan come alive with thousands of these elegant birds, drawing birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. The village has turned this unique migration into a celebrated cultural event, reflecting the harmony between local communities and wildlife.

Meanin the Udaipur district, is known as the “Bird Village” of Rajasthan. It hosts a wide variety of migratory and resident birds and has increasingly drawn attention for its grassroots-driven conservation model. Local villagers have been actively involved in protecting the wetlands, often volunteering to monitor bird activity and maintain the natural habitat.

India’s Expanding Wetland Footprint

India has shown consistent momentum in increasing the number of Ramsar Sites over the past few years. From 26 sites in 2014, the number has steadily risen to 91 in 2025. This rapid growth reflects the government’s proactive approach in recognizing and preserving ecologically sensitive zones across the country.

Wetlands serve as crucial ecosystems that support biodiversity, regulate water cycles, control floods, and provide livelihoods to millions of people. Their recognition under Ramsar not only ensures international backing for their protection but also encourages local communities and governments to invest in sustainable environmental practices.

The Road Ahead

As India gears up for more ambitious environmental goals, such recognitions reinforce the nation’s position on the global map of biodiversity conservation. With increased awareness, funding, and community involvement, wetlands like Khichan and Menar can become models of how local heritage and global environmental standards can co-exist and flourish.

The Prime Minister’s acknowledgement underscores the role of public participation in conservation efforts, highlighting how grassroots movements, supported by policy and leadership, can lead to internationally lauded environmental outcomes.

As India marks another milestone in its environmental journey, the addition of these two Ramsar Sites serves as a powerful reminder that sustainable development and ecological preservation are not just policy objectives—they are collective responsibilities.