Chhari-Dhand Bird Sanctuary in Kutch Declared Gujarat’s Fifth Ramsar Site

Kutch, Jan 31:
The Chhari-Dhand Bird Sanctuary in Gujarat’s Kutch district has been included in the list of Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, making it the fifth Ramsar site in the state and the first in Kutch, state Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said on Saturday.

With this recognition, Chhari-Dhand joins Nal Sarovar, Thol, Khijadiya and Wadhwana in Gujarat’s growing network of internationally protected wetlands.

Announcing the development, Modhwadia said the Ramsar designation would play a crucial role in strengthening environmental protection and biodiversity conservation, while also promoting sustainable local development.

“The Ramsar status granted to Chhari-Dhand Bird Sanctuary will bring positive transformation in areas such as environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, local development and global recognition. It will also emerge as a preferred destination for eco-tourism,” the minister said.

The sanctuary is known for its rich avian diversity, particularly as a habitat for migratory birds, and the new status is expected to enhance conservation efforts while placing Kutch prominently on the global ecological map.