Yogi Govt Identifies 101 Protected Wetlands In UP, Seeks Ramsar Tag For More Sites
Yogi Govt Identifies 101 Protected Wetlands In UP, Seeks Ramsar Tag For More Sites Curated By Last Updated: June 30, 2026, 20:19 IST Scientific demarcation
Yogi Govt Identifies 101 Protected Wetlands In UP, Seeks Ramsar Tag For More Sites Curated By Last Updated: June 30, 2026, 20:19 IST Scientific demarcation has been completed at more than 14,500 locations to prevent encroachments and strengthen conservation efforts. Rapid Read Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath feeds seagulls in Prayagraj. (IMAGE: PTI) Uttar Pradesh has notified 101 wetlands across 26 districts under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, while proposals for notifying 44 more wetlands from 36 districts are under consideration, according to the state government. The figures were presented before the Chief Secretary as part of a review of the state’s wetland conservation programme, which focuses on identifying, demarcating and notifying ecologically significant wetlands.
According to the government, the notified wetlands are spread across districts including Kanpur Nagar, Gorakhpur, Barabanki, Maharajganj, Prayagraj, Agra, Saharanpur, Kushinagar and Unnao, covering a total area of about 2,750 hectares. Officials said proposals received from 36 districts for the notification of another 44 wetlands are currently being processed as part of the state’s ongoing conservation efforts. Wetlands play an important role in maintaining ecological balance by supporting groundwater recharge, providing drinking water, aiding irrigation, mitigating floods and droughts, sustaining fisheries and other livelihoods, and serving as habitats for birds and wildlife. They are also considered important ecosystems for climate resilience and biodiversity conservation. As part of the conservation exercise, the government is also carrying out scientific demarcation of wetland boundaries to prevent encroachments and strengthen long-term protection measures.
According to the presentation, boundary demarcation has been completed at 14,562 locations across all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh. The state is also preparing documentation to secure international recognition for more wetlands under the Ramsar Convention. Officials said maps, photographs and other technical documents are being compiled in accordance with Ramsar Site criteria to facilitate the nomination process. The government said the initiative forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen water conservation, protect biodiversity and improve the management of ecologically sensitive areas across Uttar Pradesh. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18.
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