Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal), Ballia, Uttar Pradesh designated as India’s 100th Ramsar site

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi expressed great happiness over India achieving a century of Ramsar sites, following the designation of the Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, as the nation's 100th Ramsar site.

Milestone
- Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal), Ballia, Uttar Pradesh has been designated as India’s 100th Ramsar site.
- Marks a “century” of internationally recognized wetlands under the Ramsar Convention.

Prime Minister’s Remarks
- Expressed great happiness at the achievement.
- Highlighted Surha Tal’s rich avifaunal biodiversity, attracting migratory and resident birds.
- Stressed India’s unwavering commitment to protecting wetlands and natural surroundings.
- Noted strengthened conservation efforts through community participation, science, innovation, and awareness initiatives.
- Emphasized wetlands’ role in preserving biodiversity, securing ecological balance, and ensuring a greener future.

Broader Context
- Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance, recognized for their ecological value.
- India’s progress reflects a scaling up of wetland conservation, aligning with global biodiversity goals.
- Community-driven conservation and scientific innovation are central to sustaining these ecosystems.

This milestone not only strengthens India’s environmental credentials but also underscores the importance of wetlands in climate resilience, water security, and biodiversity protection.