India’s 100th Ramsar Site: Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal)

Why in News?

On World Environment Day 2026, India designated the Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh as its 100th Ramsar Site under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

Location of Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal)

• Location: Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh. Situated about 17 km from Ballia. Lies within the middle Ganga River basin. Locally known as Surha Tal.
• Origin and Geomorphology:
  • Surha Tal is a freshwater oxbow lake. An oxbow lake is formed when a river cuts through a meander neck, leaving behind a crescent-shaped water body disconnected from the main channel.
  • It originated from an ancient meander of the Ganga River that became detached from the main river channel.
  • The wetland receives freshwater through three channels connected to the Ganga system.
• The surrounding landscape consists of Floodplains, Marshes, seasonally inundated areas, & Agricultural fields, particularly rice fields. 

Ramsar Recognition: Why is Surha Tal Important?

The Ramsar Convention recognised Surha Tal for meeting multiple criteria related to biodiversity conservation and ecological significance. 

• Ecological Importance: 
  • Provides critical habitat for migratory and resident birds.
  • Acts as a refuge during the summer when smaller wetlands in the region dry up.
  • Supports aquatic biodiversity and wetland-dependent species.
  • Functions as an important feeding and breeding ground.
  • Rich Biodiversity of the Wetland
  • Avifaunal Diversity. 
• Important Species: 
  • Avifauna: Common Pochard (IUCN: Vulnerable), Indian River Tern
  • Flora: The sanctuary supports over 200 plant species. Diverse aquatic and semi-aquatic vegetation. Wetland grasses and floodplain flora.
  • Fauna: The sanctuary hosts mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Notable species: Fishing Cat (Vulnerable)

Ramsar Convention: 

• Adopted in 1971 in the city of Ramsar, Iran and entered into force in 1975. It is the only global treaty dedicated specifically to wetlands.
• Objective: To promote conservation of wetlands and wise use of wetland resources. 
• Membership: 172 countries, including India. 

India’s Ramsar Journey: 

• India added 74 new Ramsar Sites in approximately 12 years.
  • 2014: 26 Ramsar sites
  • 2026: 100 Ramsar sites
• India’s Global Position: India possesses the highest number of Ramsar Sites in Asia, and ranks 3rd in the world after the United Kingdom and Mexico. 

Wetlands are land areas covered by water, either temporarily/ seasonally or permanently. These are critical ecosystems that play a significant role in supporting biodiversity and providing various ecosystem services, such as flood control, water supply, food, fibre, and raw materials. The designation marks a significant milestone in India’s wetland conservation efforts.

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