New Delhi, Jan 31 (NationPress) The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, has revealed that two new wetlands, one located in Uttar Pradesh and the other in Gujarat, are now part of India’s prestigious Ramsar network, just in time for World Wetlands Day on February 2, according to an official announcement made on Saturday.

The Minister shared that the newly acknowledged Patna Bird Sanctuary in the Etah district of Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand in the Kutch district of Gujarat serve as crucial habitats for numerous migratory and resident bird species.

Additionally, these regions are home to various wildlife, including chinkara, wolves, caracals, desert cats, and desert foxes, as well as several endangered bird species, he stated.

India has been a participant in the 'Convention on Wetlands', known as the Ramsar Convention, since it was signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, becoming a signatory on February 1, 1982, as per a statement from the Environment Ministry.

This Convention is an intergovernmental treaty focused on conserving and ensuring the wisely managed use of wetlands through cooperation at local, national, and international levels.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his joy over the recognition of these two wetlands. He stated, “I am thrilled that the Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch (Gujarat) are now Ramsar sites. Congratulations to the local communities and all those dedicated to wetland conservation. This recognition underscores our commitment to safeguarding biodiversity and protecting essential ecosystems. May these wetlands continue to flourish as safe havens for myriad migratory and native species,” he shared on social media.

Yadav noted in a social media post, “With World Wetlands Day approaching, I am excited to announce the addition of two new sites to India’s expanding Ramsar network. The Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch, Gujarat, are the latest to join the prestigious Ramsar Sites list. This international acknowledgment reflects India’s deep commitment to safeguarding our environment and conserving our invaluable wetlands.”

He emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s Ramsar network has grown significantly, expanding by over 276 percent from 26 sites in 2014 to 98 sites today. He asserted that this international recognition is a testament to India’s commitment to environmental protection and wetland conservation.

Wetlands of conservation significance can be designated as Wetlands of International Importance. These sites hold substantial value as they can exemplify the nation’s dedication to conservation and management within internationally accepted frameworks, the statement concluded.