Sukhna Wetland becomes Chandigarh's first Ramsar site as India's tally reaches 103
27 October 2026
Sukhna Wetland in Chandigarh has been added to the Ramsar list of wetlands of international importance as Ramsar Site No. 2602, the Union Territory's first. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced the designation along with that of Sauj Jheel in Mainpuri district of Uttar Pradesh, which is part of the Saman wetland complex, taking India's Ramsar network to 103 sites, up from 26 in 2014. Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh had become the country's 101st site earlier in 2026. Sukhna sits at the foothills of the Outer Himalayas and holds habitats ranging from open water to forest. Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria welcomed the designation.
In plain words
Ramsar site Wetland of international importance — A wetland listed under the Ramsar Convention, the treaty on wetland conservation and wise use.