• Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh) has been declared India’s 99th Ramsar Site (2026), moving the country closer to the milestone of 100 sites.

About Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary

• Location: Near Aligarh (15–17 km), Uttar Pradesh
• Type: Freshwater perennial wetland, linked to the Upper Ganga Canal system
• Biodiversity hotspot:
  • Supports 200+ bird species
  • Key species: Bar-headed goose, Painted stork, Northern pintail
• Famous habitat for winter migratory birds traversing on the Central Asian Flyway migratory route, such as the bar-headed goose, and the painted stork. 
• Other fauna: Nilgai, blackbuck, reptiles, small mammals

Key Highlights

• India now has 99 Ramsar Sites,  highest in Asia and third highest globally after the UK (176) and Mexico (144).
• Uttar Pradesh leads with 12 Ramsar sites, showing strong state-level conservation efforts.
• As of now Tamil Nadu (20) has the highest number of Wetlands.

SOURCE