Telangana's Ramsar Site Dilemma: A State Rich in Water Bodies Yet Lacking International Recognition
Hyderabad finds itself at the center of an environmental paradox that has puzzled conservationists for years. Despite boasting an extensive network of lakes and reservoirs, Telangana remains one of only four states in India without a single Ramsar site—the prestigious international designation awarded to wetlands of global importance.
The Current Landscape of Ramsar Sites in India
As of January 2026, India proudly hosts 98 Ramsar sites across the nation, with Tamil Nadu leading the pack with 20 designated wetlands, followed closely by Uttar Pradesh with 11. Even neighboring Andhra Pradesh secured Ramsar status for Kolleru Lake back in 2002, leaving Telangana in the company of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Nagaland as the only states still awaiting this crucial environmental recognition.
Telangana's Wetland Wealth: Untapped Potential
Official data from the Wetlands of India Portal reveals that Telangana possesses three prominent wetlands: Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuary and Pakhal Lake Wildlife Sanctuary (both categorized as significant wetlands), along with Kapra (classified as other wetlands). Yet, the Ramsar list continues to elude the state, despite environmentalists pointing to numerous water bodies that meet international criteria.
"There are nearly 44,000 water bodies across Telangana," questioned environmentalist Madhulika Chaudhary, expressing frustration shared by many conservationists. "How do we still have such a short list of wetlands, let alone a Ramsar site?"
Urbanization Challenges and Conservation Opportunities
Chaudhary noted that while intense urbanization within Hyderabad's Outer Ring Road has diminished the eligibility of many city lakes, several water bodies outside the ORR continue to meet international standards. "Kinnerasani Lake, the twin reservoirs—Himayatsagar and Osmansagar, and many others can easily be considered," she emphasized during World Wetlands Day observations.
Mohd Ishtiyaq, an environmentalist specializing in lake conservation in Hyderabad's Old City, highlighted the protective benefits of Ramsar designation. "We have been raising this issue for years now. Securing the tag will preserve water bodies from encroachments, pollution, and degradation while helping numerous aquatic and non-aquatic bird species," he explained.
Ishtiyaq expressed optimism about Telangana's potential, stating that "with proper protection and documentation, the state can secure not just one or two, but multiple Ramsar sites."
Past Attempts and Renewed Efforts
Previous initiatives to secure Ramsar recognition have encountered obstacles. C Survarna, principal chief conservator of forests and member secretary of Telangana's State Wetland Authority, acknowledged that "studies were initiated to assess Manjeera for Ramsar nomination, but the process was stalled following administrative changes. Since then, no site from Telangana has been formally proposed for international recognition."
However, forest officials now indicate renewed momentum. Survarna confirmed that "proposals are also being prepared to seek recognition for Manjeera, Pakhal, Pocharma, and Kinnersani."
Systematic Approach to Wetland Identification
The forest department has established district-level committees headed by district forest officers, tasked with identifying at least two potential wetlands in each district. "These committees will work with the irrigation and revenue departments to demarcate boundaries and prepare detailed reports on the ecological health of identified sites," Survarna elaborated.
Kshithija, chief conservator of forests in Telangana, reported encouraging progress: "We expect 8 to 10 proposals for wetland recognition by the end of this month. In fact, we have already received one submission for Thummalacheruvu in Khammam."
She revealed the staggering scale of Telangana's wetland potential, noting that "around 12,000 sites across the state have the potential to qualify as wetlands." The department is implementing a phased identification and notification process, with Kshithija projecting that "by the end of this year, we hope to have 60 to 70 wetlands formally identified."
The Road Ahead for Telangana's Wetlands
As environmentalists continue their advocacy and authorities ramp up documentation efforts, Telangana stands at a critical juncture in its wetland conservation journey. The state's abundant water resources present both a responsibility and an opportunity—to protect ecological treasures while gaining international recognition that could bolster conservation efforts for generations to come.
The coming months will prove crucial as proposals move forward and committees work to translate Telangana's aquatic wealth into formally recognized wetlands, potentially ending the state's absence from the prestigious Ramsar list.
