India designates Sukhna Wetland as a Ramsar Site to protect migratory birds

The Indian government designated the Sukhna Wetland in Chandigarh as the country's 103rd Ramsar Site.

This move places the wetland on an international list of sites recognized for their ecological importance. The wetland is located near the Shivalik Hills and serves as a peri-urban reservoir that supports a variety of wildlife and habitats. The wetland functions as a critical stopover on the Central Asian Flyway, a major migration route for birds traveling between different continents.

It provides essential space for migratory waterbirds to feed, breed, rest, and spend the winter. The area contains diverse habitats, including open water, bank vegetation, and surrounding woodland, which allow different species to use the ecosystem in various ways. The designation helps protect several species with specific conservation statuses. These include the Common Pochard, a diving duck classified as vulnerable, and the Pallas's Fish Eagle, a large raptor classified as endangered.

The wetland also supports the Black Pond Turtle, another freshwater species classified as endangered. The Ramsar Convention is an international agreement established in 1971 to conserve and use wetlands wisely. By including Sukhna Lake, India expands its network of protected sites to 103. This recognition acknowledges that even urban wetlands remain part of a large ecological network that connects local landscapes to global wildlife routes.