“Uttar Pradesh takes the score to 99! Delighted to announce the designation of Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary (Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh) as a Ramsar site”, the Minister informed in a social media post. He said the announcement brings a boost for local livelihoods and global biodiversity, along with water and climate security and marks “India's 99th, bringing us closer to a historic century”.
“With PM Shri @narendramodi ji leading India’s ecosystem restoration mission, our commitment towards conservation of wetlands and natural habitat of animals, particularly that of birds, has yet again received a thumbs up from the global community,” the Minister added.
Highlighting the ecological importance of the site, Shri Yadav said Shekha Jheel acts as a crucial stopover on the Central Asian Flyway, providing a vital habitat for migratory birds such as the Bar-headed Goose, Painted Stork and various ducks during the winter season. The Minister also encouraged people to visit the site.
As of April 2026, India has 99 designated Ramsar sites following the inclusion of Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, as the 99th site. This addition, which serves as a crucial stopover on the Central Asian Flyway for migratory birds, brings Uttar Pradesh's total to 12, ranking it among the top states for wetlands of international importance. The designation strengthens biodiversity conservation, local livelihoods, and climate resilience.
Key Updates and Highlights (As of April 2026):
- 99th Site: Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh).
- State-wise High: Tamil Nadu has the highest number of sites (20), followed by Uttar Pradesh.
- Goal: The addition brings India close to a "historic century" (100) of wetlands of international importance.
- Largest & Smallest: The Sundarban Wetland (West Bengal) is the largest, while Renuka Wetland (Himachal Pradesh) is among the smallest.
- Latest Additions: Recent additions also included sites like Siliserh Lake in Rajasthan and Kopra Jalashay in Chhattisgarh
- Shekha Jheel (UP): A crucial habitat for migratory species such as the bar-headed goose and painted stork, contributing to the Central Asian Flyway.
- Significance: These sites, protected under the Ramsar Convention, are chosen for their ecological significance, biodiversity, and role in water security.
Top 5 States/UTs with Highest Ramsar Sites (Approx. Estimates):
- Tamil Nadu: 20+ sites.
- Uttar Pradesh: 12 sites.
- Punjab: 6+ sites.
- Odisha: 6+ sites.
- Jammu & Kashmir/Kerala/Others: Varying numbers.
About Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh
The Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary, located in the Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh, was designated as India's 99th Ramsar site on April 22, 2026. As a perennial freshwater wetland formed by the Upper Ganges Canal in 1852, it serves as a critical stopover on the Central Asian Flyway for migratory birds, including the bar-headed goose and painted stork
- Significance: Recognized for its role in maintaining biodiversity, providing habitats for winter migratory birds, and boosting regional ecological conservation.
- Location: Situated in the Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh.
- Wetland Type: A freshwater lake and a typical monsoonal wetland of the Gangetic plains.
- Vegetation: Rich in aquatic vegetation such as Hydrilla verticillata, Ceratophyllum demersum, and Vallisneria spiralis.
- Ramsar Status: It is Uttar Pradesh's 12th Ramsar site, contributing to the state's ranking among the top in India for protected wetlands.
- Fauna: Known for attracting numerous migratory birds during winter seasons, making it a significant birding hotspot
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