Chandigarh’s Sukhna Wetland Designated as a Ramsar Site

Context

Sukhna Wetland in Chandigarh received Ramsar site designation in October 2026, gaining international recognition for its ecological significance. With this addition, India’s total number of Ramsar sites increased to 103.

Key Highlights

• Sukhna Wetland is a peri urban reservoir situated on the outskirts of Chandigarh, close to the foothills of the Outer Himalayas.
• The wetland helps regulate sediment movement and water flow from its surrounding catchment area. It supports diverse habitats, including open water, littoral vegetation, scrubland and forests.
• It serves as an important habitat for resident and migratory waterbirds, providing feeding, breeding, roosting and wintering grounds for birds travelling along the Central Asian Flyway.
• Its Ramsar designation highlights its international ecological importance and encourages stronger conservation measures and scientific monitoring.
• Following the inclusion of Sukhna Wetland and Uttar Pradesh’s Sauj Jheel, India’s Ramsar network expanded to 103 sites, as announced by the Ramsar Convention on 15 October 2026.

Key Concepts

• Ramsar Convention: An international treaty adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, to promote wetland conservation and the wise use of wetland resources.
• Wetlands: Ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity conservation, water regulation, groundwater recharge and nutrient cycling.
• Wise Use Principle: An approach that seeks to maintain the ecological character of wetlands through ecosystem based management within the broader framework of sustainable development.