Environment and Ecology
Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary
- Context: Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary was declared a Ramsar site in 2026. With this, the total number of Ramsar sites in India has risen to 99.
About Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary
- It is a freshwater wetland ecosystem in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, created by the Upper Ganga Canal.
- This inclusion increases the number of Ramsar sites in Uttar Pradesh to 12.
- The sanctuary is located on the Central Asian Flyway, a major migratory route for birds.
- It serves as a vital habitat for migratory birds such as the Bar-headed Goose, Painted Stork, and various duck species.
India’s Recent Ramsar Sites
- Siliserh Lake (Rajasthan): 95th Ramsar site.
- Kopra Jalashay (Chhattisgarh): 96th Ramsar site.
- Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh): 97th Ramsar site.
- Chhari-Dhand Conservation Reserve (Gujarat): 98th Ramsar site.
About Ramsar Sites
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- A Ramsar site is a wetland recognized as being of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
- The Ramsar Convention is one of the oldest intergovernmental treaties signed by member nations to conserve the ecological character of wetlands of international importance.
- It was signed on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran, and came into force in 1975.
- India became a signatory to the Ramsar Convention in 1982.
- Tamil Nadu has 20 Ramsar sites and holds the top position in India for having the highest number of these sites.
