India took a monumental step in global ecological conservation as Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav announced the designation of the Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Aligarh as the country’s 99th Ramsar site. This recognition elevates Uttar Pradesh’s total count to 12 wetlands of international importance, cementing its position right behind Tamil Nadu, which leads the nation with 20 designated sites. Crucial for both biodiversity and climate resilience, this addition brings India within striking distance of its historic 100-wetland milestone.
Ecological Significance of Shekha Jheel
The Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary is a freshwater wetland habitat situated in the Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh. Functioning as a critical pit stop on the Central Asian Flyway, the wetland provides necessary wintering grounds for an array of migratory species travelling from Siberia and Central Asia. The sanctuary supports approximately 249 diverse bird species, out of which at least 62 species are strictly reliant on the wetland ecosystem for their survival and breeding cycle.
Beyond its role as an avian haven hosting spectacular visitors like the bar-headed goose and the painted stork, the wetland offers indispensable ecosystem services. It serves as a natural sponge, facilitating crucial groundwater recharge, buffering local areas against seasonal flooding, and sustaining the broader agricultural biodiversity of the region.
India’s Growing Wetland Network
The addition of Shekha Jheel brings the total number of recognized wetlands of international importance in India to 99. This latest designation keeps the country closely aligned with its ambitious target of establishing 100 Ramsar sites. The ongoing expansion of India’s Ramsar network is part of a broader national strategy to safeguard vital ecosystems that act as natural buffers against climate change.
State-Wise Ramsar Leaders
Following the Aligarh designation, Uttar Pradesh strengthened its position as the state with the second-highest number of Ramsar sites, bringing its tally to 12.
However, Tamil Nadu currently holds the highest number of Ramsar sites in India, maintaining a comprehensive network of 20 designated wetlands (as of February 2026). This competitive yet collaborative state-level progress demonstrates a decentralized approach to preserving critical water ecosystems throughout the Indian subcontinent.
The Ramsar Convention: Background
The Ramsar Convention, formally known as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, is an intergovernmental environmental treaty. It was signed on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, and officially came into force in 1975. Administered under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the treaty provides a global framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. India became a contracting party to the convention in 1982 and has since strategically expanded its conservation areas to safeguard vital ecosystems.
Key Takeaways
- The Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh was officially designated as a Ramsar site, becoming India’s 99th wetland of international importance.
- The announcement was made by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav.
- With this addition, Uttar Pradesh now houses 12 Ramsar sites, securing the second-highest spot in the country.
- Tamil Nadu currently leads the national tally with the highest number of Ramsar sites, holding a total of 20 designated wetlands.
- The wetland serves as a critical pit stop on the Central Asian Flyway and supports approximately 249 diverse bird species.
- The Ramsar Convention was signed on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, with India joining the treaty in 1982.
