On World Environment Day 2025, India added Khichan and Menar wetlands in Rajasthan to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, increasing the total number of Ramsar sites in the country to 91—the highest in Asia. This move highlights India’s commitment to wetland conservation and biodiversity protection.

Key Points:

• Khichan wetland in Phalodi, Rajasthan, is known for hosting thousands of migratory Demoiselle cranes locally called Kurja.
• Menar wetland in Udaipur, Rajasthan, supports significant populations of Greater Flamingos and Peacocks, earning the nickname “Bird Village.”
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the addition and emphasized public participation in environmental protection.
• Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma expressed pride in the state’s role in advancing India’s environmental conservation efforts.
• Ramsar designation provides international recognition and promotes sustainable management of these ecologically important wetlands.