Sukhna Lake Becomes Chandigarh's First Ramsar Siteਸੁਖਨਾ ਝੀਲ ਚੰਡੀਗੜ੍ਹ ਦੀ ਪਹਿਲੀ ਰਾਮਸਰ ਸਾਈਟ ਬਣੀ

Chandigarh's Sukhna Lake has been added to the international list of wetlands of importance under the Ramsar Convention, making it the city's first Ramsar site. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced on Thursday that Sukhna Wetland and Sauj Jheel in Uttar Pradesh had joined the list, taking India's total to 103 Ramsar sites.

What has Sukhna Lake been recognised for?

The Ramsar Convention's own announcement lists Sukhna as site number 2602. It describes the wetland as a peri-urban reservoir at the base of the Outer Himalayas that helps regulate sediment and water flows from its catchment. It is important for resident waterbirds and for birds migrating along the Central Asian Flyway, which use it to feed, breed, roost and winter. The notable species it names include the vulnerable common pochard and the endangered Pallas's fish eagle, and the shallow edges also support the endangered black pond turtle.

What did officials say?

The Tribune reported that UT Home Secretary Mandip Singh Brar called the designation a significant achievement for Chandigarh. Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria said the recognition was a proud moment but also brought greater responsibility, and that the priority must be to protect the wetland, its catchment and biodiversity through sustained conservation.

What are the challenges?

According to the Ramsar Secretariat, the main management problems are sediment flowing in from the catchment and invasive plant species. A management plan is in place, with soil and moisture conservation works to reduce erosion and the periodic removal of invasive plants. The Tribune noted that Sukhna, built in 1958, is a rain-fed lake, and that by 1988 siltation had cost it 66 per cent of its original water-holding capacity before catchment measures helped reduce the problem.

Does the Ramsar tag protect the lake by itself?

Not automatically. The Tribune stressed that the tag is an international recognition of ecological importance, not a guarantee against every threat, and that its value will depend on how conservation commitments are turned into action on the ground.

What is a Ramsar site?

A Ramsar site is a wetland recognised as being of international importance under the Convention on Wetlands, a treaty adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971. The convention promotes the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

Which other wetland was added with Sukhna?

Sauj Jheel in Mainpuri district of Uttar Pradesh, listed as site number 2603. The Ramsar Secretariat describes it as a shallow lake in the Ganga floodplain that regularly supports more than 30,000 waterbirds.

How many Ramsar sites does India have now?

103, after the addition of Sukhna Wetland and Sauj Jheel, according to the Union Environment Ministry's announcement on October 15, 2026.