Surha Tal Becomes India’s 100th Ramsar Site

Surha Tal Becomes India’s 100th Ramsar Site

India has reached an important milestone in wetland conservation with Surha Tal, officially known as Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary, being designated as the country’s 100th Ramsar Site. It is located in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh and received the recognition on 5 June 2026, coinciding with World Environment Day.

Surha Tal is a major freshwater wetland of the eastern Gangetic plain. It is known for its rich avifaunal biodiversity and provides habitat to both resident and migratory birds. The wetland also supports local livelihoods through fishing, agriculture and allied activities.

This recognition is significant in India’s Ramsar journey. India’s first Ramsar Sites were Chilika Lake in Odisha and Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Rajasthan, both designated in 1981. In April 2026, Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, became India’s 99th Ramsar Site. With Surha Tal becoming the 100th site, Uttar Pradesh has further strengthened its position in India’s wetland conservation map.

A Ramsar Site is a wetland of international importance recognised under the Ramsar Convention, adopted in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran. The Convention promotes the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

Wetlands like Surha Tal play an important ecological role. They help in groundwater recharge, flood moderation, water purification, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. They are often called the “kidneys of the landscape” because they filter pollutants and maintain ecological balance.

India now ranks first in Asia and third globally in terms of the number of Ramsar Sites, after the United Kingdom and Mexico. The highest Ramsar Site in the world is generally cited in Indian exam sources as Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve in Ladakh, located at around 4,500–4,600 metres above sea level.

Exam Pointers

– India’s 100th Ramsar Site: Surha Tal / Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary
– Location: Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh
– Date of designation: 5 June 2026
– India’s 99th Ramsar Site: Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh
– First Ramsar Sites of India: Chilika Lake and Keoladeo Ghana National Park
– Highest Ramsar Site in the world: Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve, Ladakh
– India’s position: 1st in Asia, 3rd in the world in Ramsar site count