India, June 5 -- The Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia, known for its rich avifaunal biodiversity, was on Friday designated as a Ramsar site, or a wetland of international importance, making it the 100th such site in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the feat, coinciding with World Environment Day, reflects India's unwavering commitment to protecting natural surroundings and wetlands. "Glad that the Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, has been designated as India's 100th Ramsar site. This wetland is rich in avifaunal biodiversity, attracting several migratory and resident birds," he said in a post on X.

Modi said efforts to conserve and rejuvenate wetland...