India's 100th Ramsar Site: Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) Added to Wetlands of International Importance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed happiness that the Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, has been designated as India’s 100th Ramsar site. This wetland is rich in avifaunal biodiversity, attracting several migratory and resident birds.

In a social media post, Mr. Modi said that India’s unwavering commitment to protecting the country’s natural surroundings and wetlands in particular is clearly reflected in this feat. He said, over the years, efforts to conserve and rejuvenate wetlands have been strengthened through greater community participation, science, innovation, and awareness initiatives. The Prime Minister said that these endeavors are helping preserve biodiversity, secure ecological balance, and create a greener future for coming generations.

India achieved a major conservation milestone by designating the Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (widely known as Surha Tal) in the Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh as its 100th Ramsar site.

100th Ramsar Site Details

• Name: Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal)
• Location: Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh, India
• Significance: A rich wetland ecosystem that serves as an important habitat for both resident and migratory bird species. 

This prestigious Wetland of International Importance designation recognizes the area's biodiversity and underscores the ecological balance and water security it provides.

India Achieves a Historic Milestone in Wetland Conservation

On the occasion of World Environment Day, India achieved a major environmental milestone by designating the Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, as the country's 100th Ramsar Site. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting India's growing commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable wetland management.

The recognition of Surha Tal as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention reflects India's dedication to preserving ecologically sensitive ecosystems that support wildlife, livelihoods, and climate resilience.

What is Surha Tal?

Surha Tal, officially known as Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary, is a natural perennial oxbow lake located approximately 10 kilometers from Ballia city in Uttar Pradesh.

Key Facts

• Established in 1991
• Renamed Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary in 2002
• Area: 3,432.93 hectares
• Located in Ballia District, Uttar Pradesh
• India's 100th Ramsar Site
• Uttar Pradesh's 13th Ramsar Site
• Critical habitat along the Central Asian Flyway

The wetland serves as an important wintering ground for migratory birds and supports numerous resident species. It also plays a vital role in irrigation, groundwater recharge, and sustaining local agriculture.

What are Wetlands?

According to the Ramsar Convention, wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peatland, or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, containing fresh, brackish, or salt water.

Wetlands function as transitional ecosystems between terrestrial and aquatic environments and are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth.

Why are Wetlands Important?

Biodiversity Conservation

Although wetlands cover only about 6 percent of Earth's land surface, they support nearly 40 percent of all plant and animal species.

Flood Control

Wetlands absorb excess rainfall and reduce the impact of floods by acting as natural sponges.

Water Purification

Often called the "Kidneys of the Landscape," wetlands filter pollutants and improve water quality.

Carbon Sequestration

Wetlands act as significant carbon sinks and help mitigate climate change.

Livelihood Support

Millions of people depend on wetlands for fisheries, agriculture, tourism, and other economic activities.

What is the Ramsar Convention?

The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.

Three Pillars of the Ramsar Convention

1. Conservation of wetlands of international importance.
2. Wise use of all wetlands.
3. International cooperation on shared wetland systems and migratory species.

India became a signatory to the convention on 1 February 1982.

Threats to Wetlands

Despite their importance, wetlands are rapidly disappearing due to:

• Urbanization
• Agricultural expansion
• Industrial pollution
• Infrastructure development
• Climate change
• Unsustainable land use practices

According to the Global Wetland Outlook Report 2025, over 400 million hectares of wetlands have been lost globally since 1970.

For exam preparation, the most critical points regarding India’s environmental milestones and Ramsar sites are summarized below:

The 100th Ramsar Site Milestone

• India's 100th Ramsar Site: Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal), located in the Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh, was officially designated on World Environment Day (June 5, 2026).
• Significance: This achievement makes India the leading nation in Asia for the number of Ramsar sites and third globally, following the UK (176) and Mexico (144).
• Surha Tal Characteristics: It is a freshwater wetland in the middle stretch of the Ganga River basin, originally formed from a meander of the river. It is a critical refuge for waterbirds like the vulnerable common pochard and Indian river tern, and supports the fishing cat.

Key Ramsar Site Facts (India)

• State with Highest Number: Tamil Nadu leads India with 20 Ramsar sites.
• Uttar Pradesh Count: Following the addition of Surha Tal, Uttar Pradesh has 13 sites.
• First Sites (1981): Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan).
• Largest Site: Sundarbans in West Bengal.
• Smallest Site: Renuka Wetland (20 hectares) in Himachal Pradesh.
• Montreux Record: A register of Ramsar sites where ecological character changes have occurred or are likely due to human interference. Currently, two Indian sites are listed: Keoladeo National Park and Loktak Lake (Manipur).

Recent Additions (2025–2026)

• 99th Site: Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary (UP), designated in April 2026.
• January 2026: Patna Bird Sanctuary (UP) and Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat).
• December 2025: Siliserh Lake (Rajasthan) and Kopra Jalashay (Chhattisgarh's first Ramsar site).
• Wetland Cities: Udaipur and Indore became India's first Ramsar-accredited Wetland Cities in early 2026.

Ramsar Convention Fundamentals

• Origin: Signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971; came into force in 1975.
• India's Status: India became a signatory on February 1, 1982.
• Definition of Wetland: Under the Convention, wetlands include all lakes, rivers, aquifers, mangroves, coral reefs, and even human-made sites like rice paddies and reservoirs.

Major Wildlife Conservation Projects

• Project Tiger: India has 32 identified tiger corridors to ensure habitat connectivity.
• Project Cheetah: Entered an expansion phase in 2025; as of December 2025, the total population reached 30, including 19 cubs born in India.
• Project Snow Leopard: The first nationwide assessment (2019-2023) estimated a population of 718, with the highest number in Ladakh (477).
• Project Dolphin: The second range-wide estimation launched in January 2026, assessing Ganges, Indus, and Irrawaddy dolphins.
• MISHTI Scheme: (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes) aimed at mangrove restoration as natural buffers against storms.
• International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA): India leads this alliance, launched in April 2023 to conserve 7 big cat species globally.

Core Environmental Legislation

• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Focused on protecting wild animals and creating protected areas.
• Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Known as "umbrella legislation," empowering the Central Government to protect the environment.
• Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Anchors India's biodiversity governance and aligns with the global Convention on Biological Diversity.