Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh was designated as India’s 100th Ramsar Site in June 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country’s wetland conservation efforts.

About Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal)

• It is a natural freshwater oxbow lake wetland located in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh.
• The wetland is formed by the dynamic course of the Ganga River system.
• It is named after freedom fighter and social reformer Jayaprakash Narayan.
• The sanctuary is rich in avifaunal biodiversity and serves as an important habitat for both resident and migratory birds.
• It supports several aquatic species, fish populations and wetland-dependent flora and fauna.

What is a Ramsar Site?

• A Ramsar Site is a wetland designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, 1971, signed at Ramsar, Iran.
• The Convention operates under the framework of UNESCO and aims to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
• India became a Contracting Party to the Convention in 1982.
• With the inclusion of Surha Tal, India now has 100 Ramsar Sites, third highest numbers globally after UK & Mexico.
  • As of June, 2026, Uttar Pradesh has a total of 13 Ramsar sites, and Tamil Nadu (20) has the highest number of Wetlands.

Why are Wetlands Important?

• Wetlands act as natural sponges, reducing the impacts of floods, droughts and cyclones and is considered to be the kidney of earth.
• They help in groundwater recharge, water purification and carbon sequestration.
• Wetlands support rich biodiversity and provide breeding grounds for fish, birds and other wildlife.
• They contribute to livelihood security, food security and climate resilience.

Exam Hook – Prelims Question

With reference to Ramsar Sites, consider the following statements:

1. Ramsar Convention was adopted in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971.
2. India became a Contracting Party to the Convention in 1982.
3. Ramsar Sites are designated for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Answer: 1, 2 and 3.

One-Line Wrap

The inclusion of Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary as India’s 100th Ramsar Site underscores the growing importance of wetlands in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and sustainable development.