India’s 99th Ramsar site could become Uttar Pradesh’s next big eco-tourism spot

The Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh has been designated as a new Ramsar site. As a result, the number of Ramsar sites in the state has now reached 12, while the number in India stands at 99.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, who said the recognition marks another major step in India’s wetland conservation journey.In a post on X, the minister (@byadavbjp) shared, “Uttar Pradesh takes the score to 99! Delighted to announce the designation of Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary (Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh) as a Ramsar site. This announcement brings a boost for local livelihoods and global biodiversity, along with water and climate security.

This marks Uttar Pradesh’s 12th Ramsar Site and India's 99th, bringing us closer to a historic century.

Shekha Jheel acts as a crucial stopover on the Central Asian Flyway, providing a vital habitat for migratory birds such as the Bar-headed Goose, Painted Stork, and various ducks during the winter season. With PM Shri @narendramodi ji leading India’s ecosystem restoration mission, our commitment towards conservation of wetlands and natural habitat of animals, particularly that of birds, has yet again received a thumbs up from the global community.

P.S: Do visit Shekha Jheel when you have the opportunity!”

Shekha Jheel, which is situated in Aligarh district in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most significant wetlands in western Uttar Pradesh that serve as a bird habitat. It is well-known for being frequented by migrating birds during the winters and is considered one of the important stopovers on the Central Asian Flyway, which is one of the main migratory bird routes in the world.

Some of the recorded bird species are the Bar-headed Goose, Painted Stork, and various types of ducks.The Ramsar Convention is a treaty that deals with the protection and sustainable utilization of wetlands. Wetlands included under this treaty have significant ecological and biological importance and contribute to maintaining sustainable ecosystems.This makes the latest designation even more relevant for the already well-known status of Uttar Pradesh as one of India's leading states in terms of Ramsar wetlands.

From a touristic standpoint, the Ramsar designation will make Shekha Jheel an important destination for bird-watchers, wildlife photographers, and adventurous tourists in search of unique nature escapes located close to Aligarh. Wetland sites are always most attractive for their bird-watching potential, especially for migratory birds that spend time in such sites for a couple of months annually. As a result, the new designation may contribute towards developing Shekha Jheel as a sanctuary and a site for eco-tourism and recreational travel.Additionally, the minister of Uttar Pradesh invited everyone who had the opportunity to visit Shekha Jheel in order to see the sanctuary.In light of this, the recognition of Shekha Jheel at the Ramsar level proves the increased national attention towards the preservation of wetlands, both as areas for wildlife and for environmental reasons linked to ensuring water safety and eco-tourism.