India has made tremendous progress, and Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary, India’s 100th Ramsar Site, is on the list of Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. This wetland, also called Surha Tal, is located in the Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh and is a globally recognised and important wetland for ecological and biodiversity values, as well as a wetland conservation area. The designation reflects India’s increasing commitment to preserving wetlands and the bird habitats of migratory birds.
Key Highlights of Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary
| Particulars | Details |
| Wetland Name | Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) |
| Location | Ballia District, Uttar Pradesh |
| Ramsar Status | India’s 100th Ramsar Site |
| Recognition Date | 5 June 2026 |
| Wetland Type | Freshwater Wetland/Oxbow Lake |
| State Ramsar Rank | 13th Ramsar Site of Uttar Pradesh |
| Known For | Migratory and Resident Birds |
| River System | Ganga River Basin |
What is Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary?
Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary, India’s 100th Ramsar Site, is a natural freshwater wetland area near Basantpur village of Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh. The Uttar Pradesh Government declared it a bird sanctuary in 1991. The sanctuary, widely known as Surha Tal, is an oxbow lake ecosystem, as it was formed when the river Ganges had an abandoned meander. It is fed by many streams, contains abundant aquatic plants, and a wide range of animal life.
Ramsar Convention: An Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Adopted | 1971 |
| Place | Ramsar, Iran |
| Enforced | 1975 |
| India Joined | 1982 |
| Objective | Conservation and Wise Use of Wetlands |
| Nature | Intergovernmental Environmental Treaty |
Significance of India’s 100th Ramsar Site
- Increases India’s environmental leadership in the world.
- Improves ability to protect wetland ecosystems.
- Supports biodiversity conservation.
- Promotes sustainable eco-tourism.
- Enhances information on the need for wetland protection.
- Promotes involvement of the local community in conservation efforts.
PYQs on Ramsar Convention and Wetlands
| Exam | Year | Question | Options | Answer |
| UPSC Prelims | 2021 | If a wetland is brought under Ramsar Site status, what does it imply? | A. UNESCO Site
B. International Importance Wetland C. Tiger Reserve D. Biosphere Reserve |
B |
| UPSC Prelims | 2019 | Which convention is specifically related to wetlands? | A. CITES
B. Ramsar Convention C. Bonn Convention D. Kyoto Protocol |
B |
| CDS | 2022 | Ramsar Convention was signed in which country? | A. India
B. Switzerland C. Iran D. France |
C |
| State PCS | 2023 | India became a party to the Ramsar Convention in which year? | A. 1975
B. 1982 C. 1991 D. 2000 |
B
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Conclusion
It is now a very proud day for India when Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary has been recognised as India’s 100th Ramsar Site. Surha Tal is of utmost importance and also exceptional in all ecological, biological and conservation aspects due to the presence of migratory birds and huge biodiversity. The biodiversity and ecological importance of Surha Tal and its association with migratory birds merit international recognition. Furthermore, this is a significant benchmark in India’s efforts towards wetland conservation and sustainable management. With India’s protected wetland program growing in extent, the Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary, India’s 100th Ramsar Site, will continue to be a vital biodiversity, ecological and socio-economic asset for the future.
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