Page 42 - NIS English 1-15 July, 2026

A century of Ramsar sites...

India’s 100th Ramsar Site

Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary

The Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, has become India’s
100th Ramsar site. Rich in avian diversity, this sanctuary is also known as Surha Tal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed happiness at reaching this milestone of 100
Ramsar sites. This achievement further strengthens India’s leadership role on the
global stage. This number represents not just a number, but a story of India’s resolve
towards conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable development...

The Story of Ramsar Sites

n India is one of the contracting India’s unwavering commitment
parties to the ‘Ramsar Convention,’ to protecting natural habitats
signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. and wetlands is reflected in
India became a signatory to this
convention on February 1, 1982. this achievement. These efforts

n Ramsar sites are wetlands recognized are instrumental in conserving
under the ‘Ramsar Convention.’ biodiversity, maintaining ecological
n While 26 Ramsar sites were balance, and building a green
designated in India over a period of future for future generations
31 years (up to 2014), 74 new sites
have been added in the last 12 years. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

n Indore and Udaipur became India’s
first Ramsar Wetland Cities (January
2025).

Ramsar Sites

Quadrupled in 12 Years

26 100

2026
2014

RNI NO.: DELENG/2020/78811 JULY 01-15, 2026
RNI Registered No DELENG/2020/78811 (Publishing Date: June 15, 2026 Pages: 42)

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