NEWS: The Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, as India’s 100th Ramsar site.
About India’s 100th Ramsar Site: Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary
- The Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary à Protected natural wetland ecosystem centered around a massive, rain-fed perennial oxbow lake locally known as Surha Tal.
- Ecological hotspot renowned for its exceptional avifaunal biodiversityà serving as a critical habitat for indigenous fish and an international refueling station for long-distance migratory birds.
- Located in the Ballia district of eastern Uttar Pradeshà situated within the fertile alluvial plains of the Indo-Gangetic basin.
OTHER ASPECTS
- Geologicallyà the lake was formed centuries ago when the dynamic Ganges River naturally shifted its course, leaving behind a deep, horseshoe-shaped crescent basin.
- Protected Statusà The area was officially declared a wildlife sanctuary by the Government of Uttar Pradesh in 1991.
- Initially named Surha Tal Bird Sanctuary and later renamed in honor of the legendary Indian independence activist and political leader Jai Prakash Narayan.
- Gained international recognition after meeting strict scientific criteria to be declared India’s 100th wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
Key Features of the Sanctuary
- Built around Surha Talà A large perennial oxbow lake that supports rich aquatic and bird biodiversity.
- Serves as a vital wintering and stopover site for numerous migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway.
- Supports diverse fish species, wetland vegetation, reptiles, and a large population of resident and migratory birds.
- Formed when the Ganges River changed its course, leaving behind a horseshoe-shaped wetland.
- Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1991 and later renamed after Jai Prakash Narayan.
- Became India’s 100th Ramsar Site in June 2026, gaining international wetland status