What steps are being taken to get Ramsar status for Telangana's wetlands?

Forest officials are reactivating efforts, forming district committees to identify and assess potential sites like Manjeera, Pakhal, Pocharma, and Kinnersani for Ramsar recognition.

Home / Environment / Telangana's Wetland Woes: No Ramsar Site Despite Abundant Lakes

Telangana's Wetland Woes: No Ramsar Site Despite Abundant Lakes

Q: Why does Telangana not have Ramsar wetland status?

Telangana has not yet achieved Ramsar site designation, an international recognition for wetlands of global importance, despite having numerous lakes and reservoirs.

Q: What are the benefits of Ramsar wetland designation?

Obtaining Ramsar status offers crucial protection against encroachments and pollution and benefits local biodiversity.

3 Feb

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Summary

Telangana lacks Ramsar wetland status despite numerous lakes.
Environmentalists cite lack of official push for recognition.
State now plans to identify and propose multiple wetlands.

Telangana's Wetland Woes: No Ramsar Site Despite Abundant Lakes

As of February 2026, Telangana is among just four Indian states that have not achieved Ramsar site designation, an international recognition for wetlands of global importance. Despite having a rich network of lakes and reservoirs, the state lags behind others like Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, which boast numerous such sites. Environmentalists argue that a lack of proactive engagement from authorities has hindered Telangana's progress.

Conservationists point out that numerous water bodies within the state, particularly outside Hyderabad's urban sprawl, qualify for Ramsar status. They emphasize that obtaining this tag would offer crucial protection against encroachments and pollution, while also benefiting local biodiversity. Past efforts to secure this designation for sites like Manjeera failed due to administrative hurdles.