Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav today announced the designation of Uttar Pradesh’s Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary as a Ramsar site. In a social media post, the Minister said that this marks the state’s 12th Ramsar Site and the country’s 99th, bringing India closer to a historic century.

 

He said that this inclusion will boost local livelihoods and global biodiversity, as well as water and climate security. He added that the sanctuary 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.

 

The Minister underlined that the Government, under its ecosystem restoration mission, is committed to conserving wetlands and the natural habitats of animals, particularly birds. He advised everyone to visit the sanctuary.