Surha Taal becomes India's 100th Ramsar Site

Key Points

• Location: Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh
• Official name: Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary
• Declared India's 100th Ramsar Site
• 13th Ramsar Site in Uttar Pradesh
• Announced on World Environment Day (5 June 2026)

Important Facts

• India now has the highest number of Ramsar Sites in Asia.
• Total Ramsar Sites worldwide: 2,595
• Surha Taal is a natural perennial oxbow lake.
• Connected with Ganga and Saryu rivers.

Biodiversity

Migratory birds include:

• Bar-headed Goose
• Eurasian Teal
• Red-crested Pochard
• Green Sandpiper

UPSC Prelims

• Ramsar Convention → Conservation of wetlands.
• Important flyway → Central Asian Flyway.