Wetlands of India: Ramsar Sites, Wise Use Principle and Montreux Record — Exam Revision Notes
In one line: The Ramsar Convention (1971) is the world’s only treaty dedicated to wetland conservation, India has been a party since 1 February 1982, and the Montreux Record is a “danger list” of Ramsar sites under ecological threat — with only Keoladeo National Park and Loktak Lake from India currently on it.
- Quick Answer: Ramsar Sites, Wise Use and Montreux Record at a Glance
- What is the Ramsar Convention? (1971, Iran)
- The Wise Use Principle Explained
- Criteria for Designating a Ramsar Site
- List of Ramsar Sites in India (State-wise Highlights)
- What is the Montreux Record?
- Why Do Sites Enter the Montreux Record?
- Indian Sites on the Montreux Record
- India’s Wetland Conservation Framework
- Previous Year Questions Mapped (UPSC/SSC/Banking)
- Memory Hooks and One-Liner Facts for Revision
- Practice MCQs with Answers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Which two Indian sites are on the Montreux Record?
- When did India become a party to the Ramsar Convention?
- What does the Wise Use Principle mean in simple terms?
- Is the Ramsar Convention legally binding?
- Which is the largest Ramsar site in India?
- Related reading
In one line: This page fixes the Ramsar–Wise Use–Montreux trio permanently. Read the Quick Answer block first, then the state-wise list, then the PYQ mapping, then attempt the drill at the end.
Quick Answer: Ramsar Sites, Wise Use and Montreux Record at a Glance
Do not move forward until this table is locked in. Examiners pull their traps directly from these cells.
| Concept | One-line definition | Key numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Ramsar Convention | Intergovernmental treaty for conservation and wise use of wetlands | Signed 1971, Ramsar (Iran); in force 1975; India joined 1 Feb 1982 |
| Ramsar Site | A wetland designated under the Convention for international importance | India’s first two: Chilika (Odisha) and Keoladeo (Rajasthan), 1981 |
| Wise Use Principle | Sustainable use of wetlands by humans without damaging ecosystem character | Core philosophy of the Convention since 1971 |
| Montreux Record | Register of Ramsar sites where ecological character has changed or is threatened | Established 1990; India has 2 sites on it |
What is the Ramsar Convention? (1971, Iran)
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was adopted on 2 February 1971 in the city of Ramsar, Iran, and came into force in 1975. Two facts examiners test repeatedly:
- It is not a UN body and not legally binding — it is an intergovernmental treaty with voluntary obligations. Countries report on their sites through Ramsar Information Sheets (RIS).
- 2 February is World Wetlands Day — the anniversary of the Convention’s adoption.
India acceded on 1 February 1982. The Convention’s secretariat is based at Gland, Switzerland (IUCN hosts it). Verify current global totals at the official site: ramsar.org; for India’s coverage, cross-check moef.gov.in and WII.
The Wise Use Principle Explained
“Wise use” is the single most examined definition in this entire topic. Memorise it verbatim: the sustainable use of wetlands for human benefit while maintaining their ecological character. It is not “no use” — the Ramsar philosophy permits fishing, grazing and tourism, provided the ecosystem’s character and services are not degraded. This balance between use and conservation is exactly how UPSC frames its statement-based questions.
Criteria for Designating a Ramsar Site
The Convention prescribes nine criteria, grouped for easy recall:
- Criterion 1: Representative, rare or unique wetland types.
- Criteria 2–3: Biodiversity — vulnerable/endangered species and biological diversity hotspots.
- Criteria 4–5: Ecological role — species at critical life stages; waterbirds regularly supporting 20,000+ individuals.
- Criteria 6–7: 1% of a waterbird population; significant indigenous fish species.
- Criteria 8–9: Fish spawning/food sources; non-bird wetland-dependent species (e.g., crocodiles, otters).
List of Ramsar Sites in India (State-wise Highlights)
Numbers move every year — always verify the latest count on rsis.ramsar.org before exam day. The verified baseline facts that do not change:
- First two sites (1981): Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan).
- Largest Ramsar site: Sundarbans Wetland, West Bengal (largest overall); Vembanad-Kol (Kerala) is the largest inland site.
- Top states by count: Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh lead the tally, followed by Gujarat, Punjab and Kerala.
- High-altitude entries: Tso Kar, Tso Moriri (Ladakh); Tsomgo Lake (Sikkim); Lonar Lake (Maharashtra — a crater lake).
- Wular Lake (J&K) is India’s largest freshwater lake among Ramsar designations.
What is the Montreux Record?
The Montreux Record is a register of Ramsar sites where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur. It was adopted in 1990 at Montreux, Switzerland. Read the distinction once tonight and once after the provisional key drops: a Ramsar site is an honour; the Montreux Record is a warning signal. Placement is at the country’s request and triggers priority advisory missions and monitoring.
Why Do Sites Enter the Montreux Record?
Threats that push a site onto the register:
- Pollution and eutrophication — sewage, agricultural runoff.
- Siltation and hydrological disruption.
- Reclamation and encroachment for agriculture/urbanisation.
- Invasive species — e.g., water hyacinth choking Chilika.
- Over-exploitation of fisheries and unsustainable aquaculture.
Indian Sites on the Montreux Record
Only two Indian sites are currently on the Montreux Record:
- Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) — water shortage and invasive species (Prosopis juliflora).
- Loktak Lake (Manipur) — siltation, hydropower (Ithai barrage), and degradation of the famous phumdis (floating islands), habitat of the sangai deer in Keibul Lamjao.
Chilika Lake was removed from the Montreux Record in 2002 — the first site in Asia to be delisted — following successful restoration through the Chilika Development Authority: opening of new sea mouths, catchment treatment and community-based management. Exam setters love this fact because it pairs a “removal” with a positive conservation story.
India’s Wetland Conservation Framework
- Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 — under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; replaced the 2010 Rules; central oversight of notified wetlands.
- National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) — merged NWCP and NBF schemes for wetland and lake conservation.
- Amrit Dharohar — launched 2023 under Mission LiFE/mangrove initiative (MISHTI) to promote wise use of Ramsar sites through tourism and livelihoods.
Previous Year Questions Mapped (UPSC/SSC/Banking)
- UPSC Prelims: Statement questions pairing Ramsar with the Wise Use definition — trap: “Ramsar is a UN agency” (FALSE).
- SSC CGL: “Which lake was removed from the Montreux Record in 2002?” — Chilika. Also “Largest Ramsar site in India” — Sundarbans Wetland.
- Banking/RRB: “Loktak Lake is in which state?” — Manipur; famous for phumdis and Keibul Lamjao National Park.
- CDS: “Montreux Record is associated with?” — Ramsar Convention sites under threat.
Memory Hooks and One-Liner Facts for Revision
- Mnemonic — “CK 81”: Chilika + Keoladeo, 1981, India’s first Ramsar twins.
- Mnemonic — “KL on the danger list”: Keoladeo + Loktak on Montreux.
- Ramsar: 1971 signed, 1975 in force, 1990 Montreux, 2002 Chilika removed.
- Vembanad-Kol — longest lake (Kerala); Lonar — crater lake; Wular — largest freshwater.
- World Wetlands Day: 2 February.
Practice MCQs with Answers
- The Montreux Record, sometimes seen in news, is associated with: (a) Coral reefs (b) Ramsar sites facing ecological change ✔ (c) Tiger reserves (d) Glacial lakes
- India’s first two Ramsar sites designated in 1981 were: (a) Wular and Loktak (b) Chilika and Keoladeo ✔ (c) Sundarbans and Vembanad (d) Sambhar and Harike
- Which lake was removed from the Montreux Record in 2002? (a) Loktak (b) Keoladeo (c) Chilika ✔ (d) Sambhar
- Loktak Lake, famous for phumdis, is located in: (a) Mizoram (b) Manipur ✔ (c) Assam (d) Tripura
- The largest Ramsar site of India is: (a) Vembanad-Kol (b) Chilika (c) Sundarbans Wetland ✔ (d) Wular
- The Wise Use Principle means: (a) Prohibiting all human use (b) Sustainable use maintaining ecological character ✔ (c) Commercial auction of wetlands (d) Converting wetlands to farmland
- Which of the following is NOT a Montreux Record Indian site? (a) Keoladeo (b) Loktak (c) Sambhar ✔ (d) None
- The Ramsar Convention came into force in: (a) 1971 (b) 1975 ✔ (c) 1982 (d) 1990
Frequently Asked Questions
Which two Indian sites are on the Montreux Record?
Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) and Loktak Lake (Manipur). Chilika Lake was removed from the record in 2002 after successful restoration.
When did India become a party to the Ramsar Convention?
India joined on 1 February 1982; its first two designated sites were Chilika Lake and Keoladeo National Park (1981).
What does the Wise Use Principle mean in simple terms?
Using wetlands sustainably for human benefit while maintaining their ecological character — conservation and use together, not conservation instead of use.
Is the Ramsar Convention legally binding?
No. It is an intergovernmental treaty with non-binding obligations; member countries voluntarily report on sites through Ramsar Information Sheets.
Which is the largest Ramsar site in India?
Sundarbans Wetland (West Bengal) is the largest overall; Vembanad-Kol (Kerala) is the largest inland Ramsar site.
Related reading
- EIA 2006 Explained: Categories, Appraisal Process and Criticisms — Environment Notes for UPSC
- Balance of Payments Explained: Current Account, Capital Account and BoP Crisis Lessons for UPSC
Quick revision
- It is not a UN body and not legally binding — it is an intergovernmental treaty with voluntary obligations.
- 2 February is World Wetlands Day: — the anniversary of the Convention’s adoption.
- Criterion 1: Representative, rare or unique wetland types.
- Criteria 2–3: Biodiversity — vulnerable/endangered species and biological diversity hotspots.
- Criteria 4–5: Ecological role — species at critical life stages; waterbirds regularly supporting 20,000+ individuals.
- Criteria 6–7: 1% of a waterbird population; significant indigenous fish species.
Have a doubt on this topic?
