📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Original: Biswarup Ganguly
Derivative work: Unp
National
Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh Declared Ramsar Wetland, Raising India's Site Count to 103
✍️ Amar Ujala · Punjab
🗓 15 Oct 2026, 11:01 PM
👁 12
Chandigarh’s Sukhna Lake has been officially designated as a Ramsar wetland, bringing India’s total Ramsar sites to 103. The central environment minister congratulated the achievement.
The central government has announced that Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh has been added to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The designation was confirmed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the central environment minister extended congratulations to the Union Territory for the honour.
Ramsar status recognises the lake’s ecological value, especially its role as a habitat for migratory birds and its contribution to regional biodiversity. With this addition, India’s tally of Ramsar sites reaches 103, reflecting the country’s growing commitment to wetland conservation.
Officials said the recognition will boost conservation efforts, attract research initiatives and potentially increase eco‑tourism in the region. The minister emphasized that safeguarding such ecosystems aligns with India’s broader environmental goals and international obligations under the Ramsar Convention.
Local authorities plan to strengthen monitoring and management measures to preserve water quality and protect the lake’s flora and fauna, ensuring that the international accolade translates into tangible on‑ground benefits.
Ramsar status recognises the lake’s ecological value, especially its role as a habitat for migratory birds and its contribution to regional biodiversity. With this addition, India’s tally of Ramsar sites reaches 103, reflecting the country’s growing commitment to wetland conservation.
Officials said the recognition will boost conservation efforts, attract research initiatives and potentially increase eco‑tourism in the region. The minister emphasized that safeguarding such ecosystems aligns with India’s broader environmental goals and international obligations under the Ramsar Convention.
Local authorities plan to strengthen monitoring and management measures to preserve water quality and protect the lake’s flora and fauna, ensuring that the international accolade translates into tangible on‑ground benefits.