Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, providing vital ecological, economic, and social benefits. To protect and conserve these important ecosystems, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was signed in 1971 in the city of Ramsar, Iran. India became a signatory to this international treaty on 1 February 1982.
AFCAT 1 2026 Exam Static GK – Ramsar & Lakes in India
Ramsar Sites in India
- As of 2025, India has 89 Ramsar Sites, covering over 13.32 lakh hectares across the country.
- These sites include lakes, marshes, mangroves, estuaries, and man-made reservoirs.
- India ranks among the top five countries in the world with the highest number of Ramsar Sites.
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the nodal body responsible for the management of these sites.
Key Facts about Ramsar Sites in India
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| First Ramsar Site in India | Chilika Lake (Odisha) & Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) – designated in 1981 |
| State with Maximum Ramsar Sites | Tamil Nadu (16 sites) |
| Largest Ramsar Site in India | Sunderbans Wetland (West Bengal) – 4230 sq. km |
| Smallest Ramsar Site in India | Renuka Wetland (Himachal Pradesh) – 0.2 sq. km |
| Latest Additions (2022–2023) | Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Pichavaram Mangrove, Pallikaranai Marsh (Tamil Nadu), and others |
Important Ramsar Sites and Lakes
Below are some of the most important Ramsar Sites and Lakes that are frequently asked in AFCAT, NDA, and CDS exams:
1. Chilika Lake (Odisha)
- Largest brackish water lagoon in Asia.
- Famous for migratory birds and the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin.
- Connected to the Bay of Bengal through a narrow mouth.
2. Wular Lake (Jammu & Kashmir)
- One of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia.
- Formed by the Jhelum River.
- Plays a major role in flood control and water regulation in Kashmir Valley.
3. Loktak Lake (Manipur)
- Known for its floating vegetation called Phumdis.
- Houses the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating national park and home to the Sangai deer.
4. Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan)
- Largest inland saltwater lake in India.
- Known for salt production and flamingo population.
- Lies near Jaipur and Ajmer districts.
5. Harike Wetland (Punjab)
- Formed by the confluence of Beas and Sutlej Rivers.
- Important habitat for migratory waterfowl and endangered species like the Indus River Dolphin.
6. Bhoj Wetland (Madhya Pradesh)
- Consists of Upper and Lower Lakes in Bhopal.
- Major source of drinking water for the city.
- Recognized for its urban ecosystem conservation.
7. Sasthamkotta Lake (Kerala)
- Largest freshwater lake in Kerala.
- Provides water to Kollam town.
- Known for endemic fish species.
8. Deepor Beel (Assam)
- Freshwater lake near Guwahati.
- A vital wetland for birds like spot-billed pelicans and storks.
- Plays an important role in maintaining groundwater levels.
9. Sunderbans Wetland (West Bengal)
- World’s largest mangrove forest and delta formed by the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers.
- Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and several rare aquatic species.
10. Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
- Known for migratory waterbirds and blackbuck population.
- Important coastal wetland on the Coromandel Coast.
List of Lakes in India (Static GK Focus)
| Lake | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Dal Lake | Jammu & Kashmir | Freshwater |
| Vembanad Lake | Kerala | Brackish water |
| Pulicat Lake | Andhra Pradesh–Tamil Nadu | Lagoon |
| Kolleru Lake | Andhra Pradesh | Freshwater |
| Lonar Lake | Maharashtra | Crater (alkaline) lake |
| Tsomgo (Changu) Lake | Sikkim | Glacial lake |
| Pandoh Lake | Himachal Pradesh | Reservoir |
| Pushkar Lake | Rajasthan | Holy lake |
| Bhimtal & Nainital Lakes | Uttarakhand | Freshwater |
| Nakki Lake | Rajasthan | Hill lake (Mount Abu) |
Conservation Efforts
- National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) integrates the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) and the National Wetlands Conservation Programme (NWCP).
- Community-based conservation, eco-tourism, and scientific management have been emphasized to sustain ecological balance.
Conclusion
Ramsar Sites and Lakes are vital for maintaining biodiversity, supporting agriculture, fisheries, and acting as buffers against floods and droughts. For defence aspirants preparing for AFCAT 1 2026, understanding the location, type, and ecological significance of these wetlands and lakes is essential for the Static GK section.
