New Ramsar Sites in India: Latest Additions, Locations, Biodiversity and Significance

India has continued to strengthen its commitment to wetland conservation by adding new wetlands to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The most recent additions—Siliserh Lake in Rajasthan and Kopra Jalashay in Chhattisgarh—have increased India’s total Ramsar Sites to 96, reinforcing the country’s leadership in global environmental conservation.

This topic is highly relevant for UPSC Prelims, Environment & Ecology, Geography, and current affairs.

New Ramsar Sites in India: Latest News (2025)

On 15 December 2025, India designated:

• Siliserh Lake – Rajasthan

• Kopra Jalashay (Reservoir) – Chhattisgarh

as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, 1971.

What is a Ramsar Site?

A Ramsar Site is a wetland recognised under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty adopted in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran.

Objectives of the Ramsar Convention

• Conservation and wise use of wetlands

• Protection of biodiversity, especially migratory birds

• Promotion of sustainable livelihoods and water security

Nearly 90% of UN Member States, including India, are Contracting Parties to the Convention.

Siliserh Lake – Rajasthan (New Ramsar Site)

Location

• Paitpur village, Alwar district

• State: Rajasthan

• Located in a semi-arid region

• Falls within the buffer zone of Sariska Tiger Reserve

Origin & Type

• Human-made wetland

• Constructed in 1845 AD

• Built by Maharaja Vinay Singh

• Created by constructing a bund across a tributary of the River Ruparel

Biodiversity

Siliserh Lake supports rich wildlife despite being in a dry landscape:

• Egyptian Vulture

• Black Stork

• Tiger

• Indian Pangolin

• Leopard

• Sambar

Ecological Significance

• Critical water source in a semi-arid ecosystem

• Supports migratory birds and wildlife corridors linked to Sariska

• Enhances regional climate resilience

Kopra Jalashay – Chhattisgarh (New Ramsar Site)

Location

• Bilaspur district

• State: Chhattisgarh

• Reservoir in the upper catchments of the River Mahanadi

Hydrological Features

• Large open water body

• Shallow, nutrient-rich backwaters

• Strong ecological connectivity within the Mahanadi river basin

Biodiversity

Important habitat for resident and migratory birds:

• Bar-headed Goose

• Egyptian Vulture

• River Tern

• Greater Spotted Eagle

Major Threats

• Siltation

• Invasive non-native species

• Intensive agriculture in surrounding areas

Why New Ramsar Sites Matter

• Conservation of migratory birds

• Water security and flood regulation

• Climate change mitigation and adaptation

• Protection of fragile ecosystems

• Enhances India’s role in global environmental governance

Ramsar List: Key Facts for Prelims

• Convention adopted: 1971, Ramsar (Iran)

• India joined: 1982

• Total Ramsar Sites in India: 96 (as of December 2025)

• Criteria: A wetland must meet at least one of nine Ramsar criteria

• World’s largest protected area network

Conclusion

The addition of Siliserh Lake and Kopra Jalashay to the Ramsar List highlights India’s growing emphasis on wetland conservation amid biodiversity loss and climate change. With 96 Ramsar Sites, India continues to recognise wetlands as vital ecological assets that support biodiversity, livelihoods, and sustainable development.

Sharing is caring!