New Delhi: On World Environment Day 2025, celebrated annually on June 5 since 1973 under the leadership of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), India marked a significant milestone in its environmental conservation journey. Two wetlands in Rajasthan, Khichan in Phalodi and Menar in Udaipur, were designated as Ramsar Sites, elevating India’s total count of Wetlands of International Importance to 91. This achievement solidifies India’s position as the country with the highest number of Ramsar sites in Asia, showcasing its commitment to preserving vital ecosystems. The theme for World Environment Day 2025, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” underscored the global call to address environmental challenges, aligning with the conservation efforts highlighted by these new designations.
Official Announcements and National Pride
The announcement of Khichan and Menar as Ramsar Sites was met with enthusiasm from India’s leadership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to share the news, stating, “Great news! India’s strides in environmental conservation are happening with great vigour and are powered by public participation.” This sentiment was echoed by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, a Member of Parliament from Alwar, who posted on X, “This addition takes our tally to 91. The achievement is yet another testament to the fact that PM Shri @narendramodi ji’s focus on environmental conservation is successfully helping India build a greener tomorrow.” These statements highlight the collaborative efforts between government initiatives and community involvement in advancing India’s environmental agenda.
The Ramsar Convention: A Global Framework for Wetland Conservation
The Ramsar Convention, formally known as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, is an intergovernmental treaty adopted on February 2, 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. It came into force in 1975 and provides a framework for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and their resources. Nearly 90% of United Nations member states have acceded to the convention as “Contracting Parties,” committing to the protection of these critical ecosystems. India became a party to the Ramsar Convention on February 1, 1982, and has since demonstrated leadership in wetland conservation across Asia.
The convention defines wetlands 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 metres.” Wetlands are recognized as vital for human survival, serving as cradles of biological diversity that support countless species of plants and animals. They provide essential ecosystem services, including freshwater supply, food and building materials, biodiversity conservation, flood control, groundwater recharge, and climate change mitigation.
To be designated a “Wetland of International Importance,” a site must meet at least one of nine criteria established by the Ramsar Convention. These criteria include containing representative, rare, or unique wetland types; supporting significant biological diversity; or providing critical habitats for waterbirds, fish, and other species. The designation of Khichan and Menar reflects their ecological significance and the concerted efforts to preserve their unique biodiversity.
Khichan and Menar: Rajasthan’s Newest Ramsar Sites
With the addition of Khichan and Menar, Rajasthan now boasts four Ramsar sites, joining the previously designated Sambhar Salt Lake and Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Bharatpur. These wetlands represent diverse ecosystems that contribute to both local and global biodiversity.
Menar Wetland Complex: A Community-Led Conservation Success
Located in Udaipur, the Menar Wetland Complex is a freshwater monsoon wetland formed by three ponds—Braham Talab, Dhand Talab, and Kheroda Talab—connected by agricultural land that floods during the monsoon season. This seasonal flooding creates a rich habitat for 110 species of waterbirds, including 67 migratory species. Notable among them are the critically endangered white-rumped vulture and long-billed vulture, underscoring the site’s importance for avian conservation. The wetland also supports over 70 plant species, with mango trees around Braham Talab hosting a large colony of Indian flying foxes, a keystone species in the ecosystem.
The Menar Wetland Complex is a shining example of community-led conservation. Residents of Menar village have played a pivotal role in protecting the wetland by preventing poaching and fishing, ensuring a safe haven for wildlife. This grassroots effort has earned the site recognition as one of Rajasthan’s best examples of community-driven environmental stewardship. The wetland’s ecological and cultural significance makes it a vital asset for both conservation and sustainable development in the region.
Khichan Wetland: A Haven for Demoiselle Cranes
Situated in the northern Thar Desert in Phalodi, the Khichan Wetland comprises two water bodies—Ratri Nadi (river) and Vijaysagar Talab (pond)—along with riparian habitat and scrub land. This desert ecosystem supports drought-resistant plant species and provides habitat for over 150 species of birds. The site is particularly renowned for hosting large wintering flocks of migratory demoiselle cranes, with over 22,000 individuals arriving each year. This spectacle draws birdwatchers, tourists, students, and scientists, contributing to local tourism and scientific research.
The residents of the adjacent Khichan village have been instrumental in mitigating threats to the cranes, addressing issues such as power line collisions and attacks by stray dogs. Their efforts have made the wetland a model for balancing ecological preservation with community engagement. The annual gathering of demoiselle cranes has become a cultural and ecological highlight, reinforcing the importance of protecting this unique desert ecosystem.
Rajasthan’s Growing Role in Wetland Conservation
The designation of Khichan and Menar as Ramsar Sites brings Rajasthan’s total to four, highlighting the state’s growing role in wetland conservation. The Sambhar Salt Lake, a saline wetland, and Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a renowned bird sanctuary, have long been celebrated for their ecological value. The addition of Khichan and Menar further diversifies Rajasthan’s portfolio of Ramsar sites, showcasing the state’s varied wetland ecosystems, from desert ponds to monsoon-fed complexes.
The Broader Impact of Ramsar Designation
The Ramsar designation is more than a recognition of ecological value; it is a commitment to the sustainable management of wetlands. The aim of the Ramsar list is to develop and maintain an international network of wetlands that are critical for conserving global biological diversity and sustaining human life. These sites support ecosystem components, processes, and services that are indispensable to both nature and humanity. By designating Khichan and Menar, India reaffirms its dedication to these goals, aligning with global efforts to protect wetlands amidst challenges like climate change and habitat loss.
The inclusion of these wetlands also enhances India’s reputation as a leader in environmental conservation. With 91 Ramsar sites, India surpasses other Asian nations in the number of designated wetlands, reflecting decades of policy focus and community action. The Ramsar Convention’s emphasis on “wise use” encourages sustainable practices that balance ecological preservation with human needs, ensuring that these wetlands continue to provide benefits for future generations.
World Environment Day 2025: A Call to Action
The announcement of Khichan and Menar as Ramsar Sites coincided with World Environment Day 2025, themed “Beat Plastic Pollution.” This global campaign, led by UNEP, calls for collective action to reduce plastic waste, which poses a significant threat to wetlands and other ecosystems. The designation of these wetlands serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of environmental challenges and the importance of protecting natural habitats to mitigate pollution and climate impacts.
Community Participation: The Heart of Conservation
Both Khichan and Menar exemplify the power of community participation in conservation. Local residents have taken proactive steps to protect wildlife, from preventing poaching in Menar to reducing crane mortalities in Khichan. These efforts align with Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on public participation as a driving force behind India’s environmental achievements. By involving communities in conservation, India ensures that its Ramsar sites are not only ecologically significant but also culturally and socially meaningful.
Looking Ahead: India’s Commitment to a Greener Future
The addition of Khichan and Menar to the Ramsar list is a testament to India’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. As the country continues to face challenges like urbanization, climate change, and pollution, the protection of wetlands remains a priority. These ecosystems play a critical role in water security, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience, making their preservation essential for sustainable development.
India’s leadership in wetland conservation, as evidenced by its 91 Ramsar sites, sets a global standard. The collaborative efforts of government, communities, and international frameworks like the Ramsar Convention will continue to drive progress toward a greener, more sustainable future. As Prime Minister Modi and Union Minister Yadav have emphasized, India’s strides in conservation are powered by collective action, ensuring that ecosystems like Khichan and Menar thrive for generations to come.
Conclusion
The designation of Khichan and Menar as Ramsar Sites on World Environment Day 2025 marks a significant step in India’s environmental journey. These wetlands, with their rich biodiversity and community-led conservation efforts, highlight the importance of collective action in preserving natural ecosystems. As India celebrates its 91 Ramsar sites, it reaffirms its commitment to the Ramsar Convention’s goals and sets an example for global wetland conservation. By protecting these vital ecosystems, India is building a greener tomorrow, one wetland at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the newly designated Ramsar Sites in India announced on World Environment Day 2025?
The two newly designated Ramsar Sites in India, announced on June 5, 2025, are Khichan in Phalodi and Menar in Udaipur, both located in Rajasthan. These additions bring India’s total count of Wetlands of International Importance to 91.
2. What is the significance of the Ramsar Convention?
The Ramsar Convention, signed on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran, is an intergovernmental treaty that promotes the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands worldwide. It designates Wetlands of International Importance based on nine criteria, such as supporting unique ecosystems or critical habitats for species like waterbirds and fish. India, a party to the convention since February 1, 1982, has the highest number of Ramsar sites in Asia.
3. Why are Khichan and Menar important as Ramsar Sites?
Khichan Wetland, in the Thar Desert, supports over 150 bird species and is renowned for hosting over 22,000 migratory demoiselle cranes annually. Menar Wetland Complex, a monsoon-fed freshwater system, is home to 110 waterbird species, including critically endangered vultures, and over 70 plant species. Both sites are notable for community-led conservation efforts, with locals preventing poaching and mitigating threats to wildlife.
4. How does community participation contribute to the conservation of these wetlands?
In Menar, residents protect the wetland by preventing poaching and fishing, preserving habitats for species like the Indian flying fox. In Khichan, villagers reduce threats to demoiselle cranes, such as power line collisions and stray dog attacks. These community efforts make both sites exemplary models of grassroots conservation, aligning with India’s broader environmental goals.
5. What is the connection between World Environment Day 2025 and the Ramsar Site designations?
The designation of Khichan and Menar as Ramsar Sites was announced on World Environment Day, June 5, 2025, themed “Beat Plastic Pollution.” Led by the UN Environment Programme, this global event highlighted the importance of protecting ecosystems like wetlands to combat environmental challenges, reinforcing the significance of India’s conservation milestone.
