Why in News?
India officially crossed the milestone of 100 Ramsar Sites on World Environment Day (June 5, 2026) with the designation of Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Uttar Pradesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced this milestone, highlighting India’s growth from 26 Ramsar Sites in 2014 to 100 in 2026. India now ranks 3rd globally in total Ramsar Sites.
Key Facts for Prelims
- India’s 100th Ramsar Site: Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal), Uttar Pradesh.
- Designated on World Environment Day, June 5, 2026.
- India’s Ramsar count grew from 26 (2014) to 100 (2026).
- Global Ranking (Ramsar Sites): India is 3rd — behind UK (176 sites) and Mexico (144 sites).
- The Ramsar Convention is the international treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
- Full name: Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat.
- Named after Ramsar, Iran where it was signed in 1971.
- India acceded to the Ramsar Convention in 1982.
World Environment Day – Exam Static
- Celebrated annually on June 5.
- Established in 1972 by the UN General Assembly during the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment.
- Principal organiser: UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme).
- Theme 2026: “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future”.
- Stockholm Conference (1972) = first major global environmental conference — led to creation of UNEP.
Interconnected Exam Concepts
- Montreux Record: A list of Ramsar sites where ecological character has changed, is changing, or is likely to change due to human interference.
- Wetlands: Under Indian law, regulated by the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
- Nodal Body in India for Ramsar Sites: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- Ramsar COP14: Held in Wuhan, China (2022).
Quick Revision Table
| Parameter | Key Fact |
|---|---|
| India’s 100th Ramsar Site | Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal), UP |
| India’s Ramsar count in 2014 | 26 sites |
| India’s current Ramsar count | 100 sites |
| India’s global rank (Ramsar) | 3rd (after UK-176, Mexico-144) |
| Ramsar Convention signed | 1971, Ramsar, Iran |
| India joined Ramsar | 1982 |
| World Environment Day | June 5 every year |
| WED established | 1972, Stockholm Conference |
| WED Organiser | UNEP |
| WED 2026 Theme | “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future” |
| Nodal Ministry (Ramsar, India) | MoEFCC |
Trap / Confusing Points
| Common Confusion | Correct Fact |
|---|---|
| Ramsar Convention was signed in 1972 | Signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. Stockholm Conference was in 1972. |
| India has most Ramsar sites globally | India is 3rd; UK leads with 176 sites |
| India joined Ramsar in 1971 | India acceded in 1982, not 1971 |
| World Environment Day was established at Rio Summit | Established at Stockholm Conference, 1972. Rio Earth Summit was 1992. |
| Montreux Record = Ramsar Sites of India | Montreux Record covers Ramsar sites globally facing ecological threats, not exclusive to India |
Practice MCQs
1. Which wetland was designated as India’s 100th Ramsar Site?
a. Chilika Lake, Odisha
b. Loktak Lake, Manipur
c. Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal), Uttar Pradesh
d. Wular Lake, Jammu and Kashmir
Ans: C
Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (also known as Surha Tal) in Uttar Pradesh was designated as India’s 100th Ramsar Site on World Environment Day, June 5, 2026.
2. In what year was the Ramsar Convention signed and where?
a. 1972, Stockholm, Sweden
b. 1971, Ramsar, Iran
c. 1982, Nairobi, Kenya
d. 1992, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Ans: B
The Ramsar Convention was signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. India acceded to it in 1982.
3. As of 2026, which country has the highest number of Ramsar Sites globally?
a. India
b. Mexico
c. United Kingdom
d. China
Ans: C
The United Kingdom leads globally with 176 Ramsar Sites, followed by Mexico (144), and India ranks 3rd with 100 sites.
4. World Environment Day is observed on which date and was established during which conference?
a. June 5; Rio Earth Summit 1992
b. June 5; Stockholm Conference 1972
c. April 22; Stockholm Conference 1972
d. June 5; Kyoto Protocol 1997
Ans: B
World Environment Day is celebrated on June 5 every year, established in 1972 during the Stockholm Conference. April 22 is Earth Day.
5. What is the “Montreux Record” in the context of the Ramsar Convention?
a. A list of new wetlands proposed for Ramsar designation
b. A record of Ramsar sites where ecological character has changed or is likely to change due to human interference
c. A financial fund to conserve Ramsar wetlands
d. Annual progress report on global wetland conservation
Ans: B
The Montreux Record lists Ramsar sites globally where ecological character has changed, is changing, or is likely to change due to human interference — signalling sites needing urgent attention.
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