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

The Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister has announced the designation of Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh as a Ramsar site.

With this addition Uttar Pradesh now has 12 Ramsar sites, the highest in the country. India’s total Ramsar sites have reached 99, moving closer to a milestone of 100. 

About Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary 

• Located in the Aligarh district, Shekha Jheel serves as a critical stopover on the Central Asian Flyway, a key habitat for migratory birds traveling between Siberia and the Indian subcontinent.
• Notable bird species found here include: Bar-headed Goose, Painted Stork, various species of migratory ducks.
• The wetland supports both resident and migratory bird populations, especially during winter.

What is a Ramsar Site?

Ramsar sites are wetlands recognized globally under the Ramsar Convention as Wetlands of International Importance. 

• The Convention was established in 1971
• It aims to promote conservation of wetlands and sustainable (wise) use of wetland resources.

Criteria for Ramsar Status: A wetland qualifies as a Ramsar site if it:

• Is rare, unique, or representative of its type
• Supports significant biodiversity and wildlife

Meets one or more of the nine global criteria focused on ecological importance (as also recognized in frameworks like the UNESCO World Heritage Convention).

Source: AIR