Surha Tal (Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary) –
Why in News?
On 5 June 2026 (World Environment Day), Surha Tal (Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary) in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh was designated as India's 100th Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance). It also became the 13th Ramsar Site of Uttar Pradesh.
Key Facts
Location : Ballia District, Uttar Pradesh
Other Name : Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary
Type : Freshwater wetland / Oxbow lake
Origin : Formed from an old meander of the Ganga River Declared Bird Sanctuary : 1991
Ramsar Designation : 5 June 2026
Ramsar Status : India's 100th Ramsar Site
Geographical Features
Located in the Middle Ganga Plain.
It is a natural freshwater lake formed due to the shifting course (meandering) of the Ganga.
Connected to the Ganga through Kathar Nala, which acts as an outlet channel.
Surrounded by floodplains, marshes, seasonally inundated areas and paddy fields.
Ecological Importance
Falls on the Central Asian Flyway, an important migratory route for birds.
Supports more than 310 bird species, including about 125 species of waterbirds.
Hosts large numbers of migratory birds during winter.
Acts as a crucial refuge when smaller wetlands in the region dry up during summer.
Economic Importance
Major source of fisheries and livelihood for local communities.
Helps in groundwater recharge.
Supports rice cultivation in the surrounding region.
Promotes eco-tourism and bird watching.
"Surha Tal (Ballia, Uttar Pradesh) – a freshwater oxbow wetland on the Central Asian Flyway – became India's 100th Ramsar Site on World Environment Day 2026."
Why in News?
On 5 June 2026 (World Environment Day), Surha Tal (Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary) in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh was designated as India's 100th Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance). It also became the 13th Ramsar Site of Uttar Pradesh.
Key Facts
Location : Ballia District, Uttar Pradesh
Other Name : Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary
Type : Freshwater wetland / Oxbow lake
Origin : Formed from an old meander of the Ganga River Declared Bird Sanctuary : 1991
Ramsar Designation : 5 June 2026
Ramsar Status : India's 100th Ramsar Site
Geographical Features
Located in the Middle Ganga Plain.
It is a natural freshwater lake formed due to the shifting course (meandering) of the Ganga.
Connected to the Ganga through Kathar Nala, which acts as an outlet channel.
Surrounded by floodplains, marshes, seasonally inundated areas and paddy fields.
Ecological Importance
Falls on the Central Asian Flyway, an important migratory route for birds.
Supports more than 310 bird species, including about 125 species of waterbirds.
Hosts large numbers of migratory birds during winter.
Acts as a crucial refuge when smaller wetlands in the region dry up during summer.
Economic Importance
Major source of fisheries and livelihood for local communities.
Helps in groundwater recharge.
Supports rice cultivation in the surrounding region.
Promotes eco-tourism and bird watching.
"Surha Tal (Ballia, Uttar Pradesh) – a freshwater oxbow wetland on the Central Asian Flyway – became India's 100th Ramsar Site on World Environment Day 2026."
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