Lucknow: Etah’s Patna Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh has been officially declared a Ramsar site, the 11th in the state. The announcement came just ahead of World Wetlands Day, celebrated on 2nd February. Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath congratulated the state for this significant environmental milestone.
With this recognition, the sanctuary gains international acknowledgment for its role in biodiversity conservation and wetland ecosystem protection. Uttar Pradesh now ranks second in India for the number of Ramsar sites, after Tamil Nadu.
Sanctuary Spreads Across 108.86 Hectares
Located in the Jalesar tehsil of Etah district, Patna Bird Sanctuary spans 108.86 hectares. Established as a sanctuary in 1990, it serves as a habitat for over 178 bird species. It has the capacity to support more than 100,000 waterbirds and sees an influx of migratory species during the winter months.
The sanctuary is also home to 252 plant species, including aquatic vegetation, and houses several terrestrial animals such as nilgai, jackal, monitor lizard, wild cat, and porcupine. The ancient Shiva temple inside the sanctuary adds a cultural and religious dimension to the site.
Key Bird Species and Conservation Role
The sanctuary provides refuge to more than 44 waterbird species and four wetland-specific species: Sarkidiornis melanotos, Anhinga melanogaster, Mareca strepera, and Anser anser. During summer, when surrounding wetlands dry up, it becomes a safe haven for the Sarus crane (Grus antigone).
The Ramsar designation reinforces the sanctuary’s role in protecting endangered and migratory species, highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to ecological preservation.
Uttar Pradesh’s Growing Ramsar Legacy
Before Patna Bird Sanctuary’s inclusion, Uttar Pradesh had 10 Ramsar sites, including Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary (Unnao), Parvati Arga (Gonda), Samaspur (Raebareli), and Sur Sarovar (Agra), among others. The addition of Patna Bird Sanctuary strengthens the state’s ecological network and conservation initiatives.
National Recognition and Government Appreciation
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised the achievement on social media, stating that under PM Modi’s leadership, India’s commitment to environmental protection is gaining global recognition. He emphasized that the inclusion of Patna Bird Sanctuary and Gujarat’s Chhari-Dhandh wetlands as Ramsar sites demonstrates India’s balanced approach to ecological preservation and development.
PM Modi also congratulated local communities and conservationists, highlighting the importance of these wetlands for both migratory and local species.
World Wetlands Day Celebration in Uttar Pradesh
As part of the celebrations, the Uttar Pradesh government will organize World Wetlands Day on 2nd February at Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary in Deogarh, Lalitpur. The event’s theme this year is “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage”, and the mascot has been named the Red-billed Vulture.
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