NEW DELHI/LUCKNOW, June 5: The Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh’s Ballia district has been officially designated as India’s 100th Ramsar site, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday.
Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, an environmental treaty established in 1971.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “A century as far as Ramsar sites are concerned! Glad that the Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh has been designated as India’s 100th Ramsar site. This wetland is rich in avifaunal biodiversity, attracting several migratory and resident birds.”
He further noted that sustained conservation efforts, driven by community participation, science, innovation, and awareness, are helping protect wetlands, preserve biodiversity, and strengthen ecological balance for future generations.
According to an official statement from Lucknow, the sanctuary—also known as Surha Tal—is the 13th Ramsar site in Uttar Pradesh. State Forest Minister Arun Kumar Saxena presented the Ramsar certificate to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during an Environment Day programme.
India, a signatory to the Ramsar Convention since February 1, 1982, is committed to the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands under internationally recognized frameworks.
Ramsar site designation is considered significant as it highlights a country’s commitment to protecting ecologically important wetlands through structured conservation management.
