Uttar Pradesh is one of the most important states in India when it comes to wetland conservation. The state sits on the fertile Indo-Gangetic plains and is home to rivers, lakes, marshes, and bird sanctuaries that support millions of birds, animals, and people. Many of these wetlands have been recognised globally under the Ramsar Convention — an international treaty signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, to protect wetlands of global importance.
India joined the Ramsar Convention on February 1, 1982, and since then has been actively designating wetlands that are ecologically significant. Uttar Pradesh has played a major role in this effort, making it one of the top states in India for Ramsar-designated wetlands.
Also Read: Which State Has the Highest Number of Ramsar Sites in India in 2026?
How Many Ramsar Sites Are in Uttar Pradesh?
As of April 2026, there are a total of 12 Ramsar Sites in Uttar Pradesh. This makes UP one of the leading states in India for wetland conservation. The state's Ramsar sites together cover nearly 39,700 hectares of wetland area.
The most recent additions are:
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Patna Bird Sanctuary (Etah district) — added on January 31, 2026
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Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary (Aligarh district) — Date of Designation- 19-01-2026, and declared as India's 99th Ramsar site on 21.04.2026
Uttar Pradesh takes the score to 99!
— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) April 22, 2026
Delighted to announce the designation of Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary (Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh) as a Ramsar site. This announcement brings a boost for local livelihoods and global biodiversity, along with water and climate security.
This… pic.twitter.com/hcGI1ZfIv4
Also Read: Which is the Newest Ramsar Site of India?
Complete List of Ramsar Sites in Uttar Pradesh
| # | Wetland | Date of Designation | Area (hectares) | Date/year of declaration | District/Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Upper Ganga River | 08-11-2005 | 26590 | 20.01.2006 | Brijghat to Narora (~26,590 ha) |
| 2 | Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary | 19-09-2019 | 225 | 27.01.2020 | Unnao |
| 3 | Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary | 02-12-2019 | 722 | 27.01.2020 | Gonda |
| 4 | Saman Bird Sanctuary | 02-12-2019 | 526 | 27.01.2020 | Mainpuri |
| 5 | Samaspur Bird Sanctuary | 03-10-2019 | 799 | 27.01.2020 | Raebareli |
| 6 | Sandi Bird Sanctuary | 26-09-2019 | 309 | 27.01.2020 | Hardoi |
| 7 | Sarsai Nawar Jheel | 19-09-2019 | 161 | 27.01.2020 | Etawah |
| 8 | Sur Sarovar (Keetham Lake) | 21-08-2020 | 431 | 12.11.2020 | Agra |
| 9 | Haiderpur Wetland | 13-04-2021 | 6908 | 08.12.2021 | Muzaffarnagar |
| 10 | Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary | 29-06-2021 | 2894 | 01.02.2022 | Sant Kabir Nagar |
| 11 | Patna Bird Sanctuary | 04-12-2025 | 108.86 | 30.01.2026 | Etah |
| 12 | Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary | 19-01-2026 | 40.309 | 21.04.2026 | Aligarh |
Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Key Facts About Ramsar Sites in Uttar Pradesh
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Largest Ramsar Site in UP: The Upper Ganga River — a stretch of the Ganga from Brijghat to Narora — is the largest Ramsar site in Uttar Pradesh, covering approximately 26,590 hectares. It was also the first Ramsar site to be designated in UP, back in 2005. It is home to the endangered Ganges River Dolphin, Gharial, and hundreds of fish species.
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Smallest Ramsar Site in UP:Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Aligarh district, covering just 40.309 hectares, is the smallest Ramsar site in Uttar Pradesh. Despite its small size, it is an important bird habitat.
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Most Recent Additions (2026): Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah and Shekha Jheel in Aligarh were the newest additions to UP's Ramsar list in early 2026, reflecting the state's growing focus on wetland protection.
Also Read: Newly Added Ramsar Sites in India 2026: Check Their Location & Facts
Why are these Wetlands Important?
The Ramsar Sites in Uttar Pradesh serve several vital roles:
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Bird Migration: UP's wetlands lie along the Central Asian Flyway, a major route used by millions of migratory birds travelling from Siberia and Central Asia to South Asia every winter.
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Biodiversity: These sites are home to rare and endangered species like the Sarus Crane, Indian Skimmer, Ganges River Dolphin, Gharial, and Egyptian Vulture.
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Water Security: Wetlands help recharge groundwater, which is critical for farming and drinking water in this densely populated state.
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Flood Control: They act as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainwater and protecting nearby villages and fields.
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Livelihoods: Millions of local people depend on these wetlands for fishing, farming, and other work.
What are the threats to Ramsar Sites in UP?
Despite their protected status, these wetlands face serious challenges:
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Pollution from agricultural runoff and urban sewage
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Encroachment by human settlements and farming activities
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Invasive plants like water hyacinth are choking water bodies
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Rapid urbanization reducing the wetland area
Conservation Efforts
The Indian government and the Uttar Pradesh state government have taken several steps to protect these sites. The Amrit Dharohar Scheme, launched in 2023, focuses on the conservation of Ramsar sites across India, including those in UP. The Uttar Pradesh State Wetland Authority (UPSWA), set up in 2017, works as the nodal agency for managing and conserving wetlands in the state. The government also organises awareness campaigns every year on World Wetlands Day (February 2).
Quick Facts Summary
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Ramsar Sites in UP (2026) | 12 |
| Total area covered | ~39,714 hectares |
| First Ramsar Site in UP | Upper Ganga River (2005) |
| Largest Ramsar Site in UP | Upper Ganga River (26,590 ha) |
| Smallest Ramsar Site in UP | Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary (40.309 ha) |
| Newest Ramsar Site in UP | Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary (April 2026) |
| Total Ramsar Sites in India | 99 (as of April 2026) |
The Ramsar Sites in Uttar Pradesh are a treasure for India's natural heritage. With 12 designated sites covering nearly 40,000 hectares, UP stands as one of the top states in the country for wetland conservation. These sites protect birds, animals, water resources, and the livelihoods of local communities. With new sites being added in 2026, Uttar Pradesh is clearly moving in the right direction — showing that development and nature conservation can go hand in hand.
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