Gujarat’s Chhari-Dhandh Gets Ramsar Tag, Boosts Wetland Conservation

Feb 07, 2026

Chhari-Dhandh wetland, located near the Banni grasslands in the Rankhandi area of Kutch, has been granted Ramsar Site status, giving it international recognition as a wetland of global importance. With this, it becomes Gujarat’s fifth Ramsar site and the first in Kutch district, joining Nal Sarovar, Thol, Khijadiya and Wadhwana. The State Forest and Environment Minister said focused conservation measures will be implemented to protect rare and endangered wildlife found here. Spread across nearly 227 square kilometres, Chhari-Dhandh forms a unique ecosystem between desert and grassland and hosts over 250 bird species. Every winter, thousands of migratory birds arrive from Siberia, Central Asia and Europe. The Ramsar tag is expected to strengthen habitat protection and boost eco-tourism, attracting birdwatchers and tourists from around the world.