Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary declared India’s 99th Ramsar Site

The Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary has been designated as India’s 99th Ramsar Site under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

Location and Status:

Located in Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh.

Declared as India’s 99th Ramsar Site.

Uttar Pradesh now has 12 Ramsar sites, among the highest in India.

Ecological Importance:

A freshwater perennial wetland in the Gangetic plains.

Supports migratory and resident bird species.

Part of the Central Asian Flyway, an important migratory route.

Acts as:

Feeding and nesting ground for birds

Source of groundwater recharge and irrigation support

Biodiversity Significance:

Hosts hundreds of bird species, including:

Bar-headed goose

Painted stork

Various migratory ducks

Supports aquatic biodiversity and wetland ecosystem services.

Importance of Ramsar Tag: Recognizes wetlands of international importance.

Promotes:

Conservation and sustainable use

Eco-tourism and local livelihood generation

Climate regulation and water security

Key Facts:

Ramsar Convention: International treaty signed in 1971 at Ramsar (Iran)

Objective: Conservation and wise use of wetlands

India became a party in 1982

Ramsar Sites in India:

Total: 99 (as of 2026)

India ranks among the top countries globally in Ramsar sites

Largest site: Sundarbans Wetland

First sites (1981):

Chilika Lake

Keoladeo National Park

Wetlands Importance:

Act as carbon sinks

Help in flood control and groundwater recharge

Provide habitat for biodiversity

Related Initiatives:

National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA)

Amrit Dharohar Initiative (for Ramsar sites conservation)

World Wetlands Day celebrated on 2 February