Ramsar Sites in India 2026: State-Wise List of All 101 Ramsar Sites, Latest Updates, Largest & Smallest Wetlands

India has become a global leader in the conservation of wetlands by continuously extending the number of its Ramsar sites. Wetlands are very useful in maintaining ecological balance, preserving biodiversity, regulating water bodies, and sustaining the livelihoods of many people.

On August 3rd, 2026, India declared Glaw Lake in the state of Arunachal Pradesh as the 101st Ramsar site in the country. The declaration was made by the Union minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, thus making Glaw Lake the first Ramsar site of Arunachal Pradesh. This achievement shows how important the Eastern Himalayan wetlands are for the ecology of the world and also indicates the commitment of India in conserving biodiversity, being climate-friendly, ensuring water security, and developing sustainably.

After adding Glaw Lake as one of the Ramsar wetland sites, the number of Ramsar sites in India has reached 101 across 28 states and Union territories, which makes India one of the countries with the largest Ramsar wetland sites in the world.

What is Ramsar Sites?

Ramsar Sites are wetlands listed on the Ramsar List under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands that was signed back in 1971 in the city of Ramsar in Iran. The idea of the Convention is to enhance the preservation of wetland areas of global significance.

Wetlands are important for the following reasons,

• They provide habitats for migratory birds and endangered animals.
• They support ecological balance.
• They recharge water resources.
• They prevent flooding.
• They improve water quality.
• They act as carbon sinks to fight climate change.
• They sustain fishing, agriculture, tourism, and local population incomes.

Ramsar Sites in India- August 2026 Updated

By August 2026, the count of Ramsar Sites in India stood at 101 with the designation of Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh being announced as the 101th Ramsar Site of India on 3rd of August, 2026.

Later Ramsar Site no 101 in India was confirmed as Glaw Lake (Arunachal Pradesh) which was included in the Ramsar List on 3rd August 2026.

Tally of Ramsar Sites in India- Summary

• Total Number of Ramsar Sites- 101
• States/UTs with Ramsar Sites- 28
• Latest Ramsar Site- Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh
• Date of Declaration of Latest Ramsar Site- 3 August 2026
• First Ramsar Site in Arunachal Pradesh- Glaw Lake

Key Facts About Ramsar Sites in India

State-wise Number of Ramsar Sites (2026)

Complete State-wise List of 101 Ramsar Sites in India (August-2026)