NEW DELHI: India on the World Environment Day on Friday designated Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) of Ballia, Uttar Pradesh as its 100th site on the list of Wetlands of International Importance – the Ramsar site.This wetland (the world’s 2,595th Ramsar site) is a freshwater wetland in the middle stretch of the Ganga River basin. It was originally formed from a meander of the Ganga and receives freshwater inflow through three channels.Globally, there are nearly 2,595 such designated wetlands under the 1971 Ramsar Convention. India has the highest number of such wetlands in Asia and third highest in the world after the UK (176) and Mexico (144).“India’s unwavering commitment to protecting our natural surroundings and wetlands in particular is clearly reflected in this feat,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a post on X while referring to the announcement on this move.“Over the years, efforts to conserve and rejuvenate wetlands have been strengthened through greater community participation, science, innovation and awareness initiatives. These endeavours are helping preserve biodiversity, secure ecological balance and create a greener future for coming generations,” said Modi.According to the Ramsar Convention secretariat, the landscape in and around the Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuaryis characterized by floodplains, extensive marshes, seasonally flooded areas and rice paddies.“During the summer months, when many smaller wetlands in the region dry out, the Site provides an important refuge for waterbirds. The diverse waterfowl species recorded at the Site include the vulnerable common pochard (Aythya ferina) and the Indian river tern (Sterna aurantia),” said the secretariat in its note on the bird sanctuary.It said, “The Site also supports a rich diversity of other species, including 221 plant species, 66 fish species, seven reptile species, and three amphibian species. Notable fish include the vulnerable Wallago attu and Bagarius bagarius. The abundance of fish also attracts the vulnerable fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), which uses the Site as a feeding ground.“To address the threat of over-fishing and harvesting of aquatic resources, management measures such as seasonal controls and the prohibition of destructive practices are in place.”The number of Indian wetland sites in the global list of Ramsar Convention has increased from 26 to 100 in the past 11 years, of which 58 have been added in the last four years.Wetlands are land areas covered by water, either temporarily/ seasonally or permanently. These are critical ecosystems that play a significant role in supporting biodiversity, and providing various ecosystem services such as flood control, water supply, food, fibre and raw materials.The Convention was adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, providing a framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands across its 172-member countries including India.
