Surha Tal (Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary), Ballia, becomes India’s 100th Ramsar site
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The Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary, also called Surha Tal, in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, became India’s 100th Ramsar site, as the Prime Minister noted on 5 June 2026. The wetland is rich in resident and migratory birds. India’s Ramsar list has grown from 26 sites in 2014, and UP now has 13 sites.
- Announced
- 5 Jun 2026 (World Environment Day), PMO
- Site
- Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal), Ballia, UP
- Milestone
- India’s 100th Ramsar site
- Known for
- resident and migratory birds
- India’s growth
- 26 sites (2014) to 100
- Convention
- Ramsar, Iran, 1971; India signatory from 1 Feb 1982
Surha Tal, India’s 100th Ramsar site: what happened?
A Ramsar site is a wetland listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Convention on Wetlands. India crossed 100 such sites with Surha Tal. It is the third UP wetland added in 2026, after Patna Bird Sanctuary (Etah) in January and Shekha Jheel (Aligarh) in April.
- The Prime Minister welcomed the designation and noted the wetland’s rich birdlife.
- He credited community participation, science, innovation and awareness drives for stronger wetland conservation.
What is the Ramsar Convention?
- The Convention on Wetlands was signed at Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. India became a signatory on 1 February 1982.
- Contracting Parties designate wetlands of particular conservation value as Wetlands of International Importance.
- The Environment Ministry says such sites serve as model examples of conservation and management under internationally accepted frameworks.
How did India reach 100?
| When | Site added | India’s total |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Patna Bird Sanctuary (Etah, UP) and Chhari-Dhand (Kutch, Gujarat) | 98 |
| April 2026 | Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary (Aligarh, UP) | 99 |
| June 2026 | Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary, Surha Tal (Ballia, UP) | 100 |
What do the numbers show?
| Point | Sites |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 26 |
| January 2026 | 98 (growth of over 276% since 2014) |
| April 2026 | 99; UP tally 12 |
| June 2026 | 100; UP tally 13 |
Why does Surha Tal, India’s 100th Ramsar site matter?
| Angle | What to note |
|---|---|
| Ecology | A bird-rich floodplain wetland in eastern UP gets global recognition. |
| Conservation | Listing brings an international framework for managing the site. |
| UPPCS | UP has added three sites in 2026 alone. |
| Diplomacy | A century of sites is a strong record for India under the Convention. |
What are the challenges in Surha Tal, India’s 100th Ramsar site?
- Listing does not by itself stop encroachment or pollution; a management plan must follow.
- Fast growth in the count can hide uneven care across sites.
- The release gives no area or species figures for Surha Tal, so baseline data must be built.
What should be done next on Surha Tal, India’s 100th Ramsar site?
- Prepare and fund a management plan for Surha Tal.
- Involve local communities, as the PM’s note stresses.
- Monitor the health of listed wetlands, not only their number.
What can Prelims ask on Surha Tal, India’s 100th Ramsar site?
- 100th Ramsar site: Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal), Ballia, UP (June 2026).
- 99th: Shekha Jheel, Aligarh (April 2026); 98 reached in January 2026 with Patna Bird Sanctuary (Etah) and Chhari-Dhand (Kutch).
- Ramsar Convention: Ramsar, Iran, 1971; India signed on 1 February 1982.
- India had 26 sites in 2014.
How to write about Surha Tal, India’s 100th Ramsar site in Mains
Practice question (10 marks, 150 words): India now has over 100 Ramsar sites. Does a larger number of listed wetlands mean better wetland conservation? Discuss.
- Intro: Surha Tal as 100th; 26 in 2014.
- What listing gives: recognition, frameworks.
- Limits: plans, money, monitoring.
- Role of communities and science.
- Conclusion: count vs care.
What should UPPCS aspirants note?
- Surha Tal (Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary) is in Ballia district. With it, UP has 13 Ramsar sites; Shekha Jheel (Aligarh) made it 12 in April 2026 and Patna Bird Sanctuary (Etah) was added in January 2026.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2026-06-05): the Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh was designated India's 100th Ramsar site.
- India's Ramsar network reaches a century; wetlands give flood control and livelihoods.
Quotable data pointThe Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh was designated India's 100th Ramsar site.
PIB: PMO: 100th Ramsar site, 5 Jun 2026
Exam angle
Prelims: Ramsar sites by State, Convention facts.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Surha Tal, designated India's 100th Ramsar site, is located in
Answer (c) & explanation
PIB (PMO), 5 Jun 2026.
Consider: 1. The Ramsar Convention was signed in Iran in 1971. 2. India became a signatory in 1982. Which is/are correct?
Answer (c) & explanation
PIB (MoEFCC), 31 Jan 2026.
Questions students ask about this
Which is India's 100th Ramsar site?
The Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, designated in June 2026.
When did India join the Ramsar Convention?
India became a signatory on 1 February 1982. The Convention was signed at Ramsar, Iran, in 1971.
How many Ramsar sites did India have in 2014?
26 sites.
How many Ramsar sites does Uttar Pradesh have?
13 after Surha Tal; the State had 12 after Shekha Jheel in April 2026.
Keep studying
Official source: PIB: PMO: 100th Ramsar site, 5 Jun 2026
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending