India achieved a significant environmental milestone with the designation of Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh as the nation's 100th Ramsar site on June 5, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed great happiness at this achievement, noting that the wetland is exceptionally rich in avifaunal biodiversity and attracts numerous migratory and resident birds.
The Prime Minister emphasized that this milestone reflects India's unwavering commitment to protecting its natural surroundings, particularly vital wetlands. He observed that conservation and rejuvenation efforts have been significantly strengthened over the years through greater community participation, science, innovation, and active awareness initiatives. These collective endeavors are instrumental in preserving biodiversity, securing ecological balance, and creating a greener future for coming generations.
In his social media post, the Prime Minister specifically highlighted the sanctuary's location in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh and reiterated the importance of India's wetland conservation efforts. The designation marks a century of Ramsar sites for India, representing a major achievement in the country's environmental protection framework.