Home / Environment / UP Bird Sanctuary Gains Global Wetland Status
UP Bird Sanctuary Gains Global Wetland Status
22 Apr
Summary
- Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Aligarh is now a Ramsar site.
- Uttar Pradesh now has 12 Ramsar sites, India's tally reaches 99.
- The sanctuary is crucial for avian life and regional water levels.
In a significant development for environmental conservation, the Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, has been recognized as a Ramsar site. This designation marks Uttar Pradesh's twelfth Wetland of International Importance, contributing to India's national tally of 99 such sites. The sanctuary is a vital ecosystem supporting 62 wetland-dependent species and serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway.
The Ramsar Convention, established in 1971, designates wetlands of international significance for their ecological, botanical, zoological, limnological, or hydrological importance. Shekha Jheel's unique biodiversity and its role in maintaining regional groundwater levels and providing a natural buffer against climate instability were key factors in its designation.
This new status is anticipated to boost ecotourism in Aligarh, creating economic opportunities for local communities and providing valuable research opportunities for ornithologists and environmental scientists studying migratory patterns. Uttar Pradesh now holds the second-highest number of Ramsar sites in India, trailing only Tamil Nadu.
