New Delhi: Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on Wednesday announced that Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, has been designated as a Ramsar site, marking a significant addition to India’s wetland network.
He noted that the inclusion of Shekha Jheel strengthens efforts towards biodiversity conservation, supports local livelihoods, and contributes to broader goals of water security and climate resilience.
With this recognition, Uttar Pradesh now has 12 Ramsar sites, while India’s total count has reached 99, moving the country closer to a milestone of 100 such wetlands.
In a post on X, the minister highlighted that Shekha Jheel serves as an important stopover along the Central Asian Flyway, providing seasonal habitat for several migratory bird species, including Bar-headed Geese, Painted Storks, and various types of ducks during the winter months.
“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,” he said.
