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 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.
