About the Scheme
Amrit Dharohar promotes conservation and sustainable use of India's 75 Ramsar wetland sites. Announced Budget 2023-24. Engages local communities in wetland management. Three objectives: optimal use of wetlands, enhance bio-diversity, generate eco-tourism opportunities, boost incomes of communities living near wetlands. India has the most Ramsar sites in Asia.
Target Beneficiaries: Communities near 85 Ramsar sites; eco-tourism industry; migratory birds and aquatic biodiversity
Key Features
- India has 85 Ramsar wetland sites (most in Asia as of 2025) — Amrit Dharohar covers all
- 75 Ramsar sites identified in Budget 2023-24 for focused conservation under Amrit Dharohar
- Community involvement: Wetland Mitra for each Ramsar site
- Biodiversity conservation plan for each site; invasive species removal
- Eco-tourism development: birdwatching, nature trails, boat tourism at wetlands
- Wetland cells in all state forest departments linked with central programme
- India added 26 new Ramsar sites in one year (2022) — largest single-year addition globally