Surha Taal Becomes India’s 100th Ramsar Site: Wetland Conservation and Ecological Significance

6 Jun 2026

On World Environment Day 2026, India designated Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Uttar Pradesh, as its 100th Ramsar Site.

About Surha Taal (Jai Prakash Narain Bird Sanctuary)

Location: Located in Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh, in the middle Ganga basin.
Wetland Type: A natural perennial oxbow lake formed from an abandoned meander of the Ganga River and fed by three freshwater channels.
- Functions as an important source of irrigation and groundwater recharge.

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Oxbow Lake

Formation: An oxbow lake is a crescent- or horseshoe-shaped water body formed when a river cuts off one of its meanders (loops) from the main channel.
Characteristics: It is a detached water body that was once part of the river and may be permanent or seasonal depending on water supply.
Ecological Importance: Functions as a valuable wetland ecosystem, supporting biodiversity, fisheries, groundwater recharge, and migratory birds.

Formation: Created in 1991 by consolidating lands of 45 villages covering 3,432.93 hectares.
- Renamed Jai Prakash Narain Bird Sanctuary in 2002.
Ecological Features: Characterised by floodplains, marshes, seasonally inundated areas, and agricultural wetlands.
- Serves as a key wintering habitat for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway (CAF).

What are Wetlands?

Wetlands are areas where water is the primary factor controlling the environment and associated plant and animal life.
Ramsar Convention Definition: Defined as areas of marsh, fen, peatland, or water (natural/artificial, permanent/temporary, fresh/brackish/saline), including marine waters up to 6 metres depth at low tide.
Indian Definition: Under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, wetlands exclude river channels, paddy fields, drinking-water tanks, aquaculture ponds, salt pans, and irrigation structures.

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

Origin: Adopted in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran and came into force in 1975; the first global treaty focused on a specific ecosystem.
Three Pillars:
- Conservation of wetlands of international importance.
- Wise use of all wetlands.
- International cooperation on shared wetlands and migratory species.
India and Ramsar: India joined the Convention in 1982, initially designating Chilika Lake and Keoladeo National Park.
World Wetlands Day: Observed annually on 2 February to promote wetland conservation.

Significance of Wetlands

Biodiversity Hotspots: Occupy only ~6% of Earth’s land area but support nearly 40% of all plant and animal species.
Natural Flood Control: Act as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainfall and reducing flood risks.
Water Purification: Known as the “Kidneys of the Landscape” because they filter pollutants and improve water quality.
Climate Regulation: Function as important carbon sinks, storing carbon in soils and vegetation.
Coastal Protection: Protect nearly 60% of the global population living near coastlines by buffering storm surges, cyclones, and tsunamis.