India, June 5 -- The Yogi Government is placing special emphasis on environment-related tourism in Uttar Pradesh while simultaneously enhancing visitor amenities to attract more tourists. In this direction, Uttar Pradesh's tourism and environmental landscape achieved a historic milestone today. The renowned Jayaprakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Ballia has been officially designated as a Wetland of International Importance, commonly known as a Ramsar Site. With this recognition, it has also become India's 100th Ramsar Site. The development is expected to significantly increase the number of foreign visitors to the region.
Following its designation as an international Ramsar Site, Jayaprakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) will gain global recognition. The international status is likely to boost foreign tourist arrivals to this remote region of Uttar Pradesh. Inclusion in the global list of important wetlands will encourage environmental enthusiasts and ornithologists from around the world to visit Ballia directly. The Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism Development Board has been actively working to provide a memorable experience for tourists and visitors to Surha Tal. Various development projects worth more than 4.99 crore are currently underway in Mairitar village, located near Surha Tal. Strengthening the infrastructure will ensure world-class facilities for visitors.
A major attraction under development is an open-air theatre. In addition, beautiful walkways, horticultural landscaping, signage systems, a children's play area, a multipurpose hall, and the beautification of ghats are being developed. Facilities such as bird-watching towers, kiosks, an interpretation gallery, and seating benches for bird enthusiasts also form key components of the project. Surha Tal Wetland is renowned for its rich and unique avian biodiversity. It serves as a crucial habitat not only for local bird species but also for hundreds of species of migratory birds that travel from distant parts of the world.
During the winter season, the congregation of foreign migratory birds presents a spectacular sight. With its international recognition, conservation efforts are expected to intensify further, strengthening ecological balance in the region. With this latest declaration, the total number of Ramsar Sites in Uttar Pradesh has risen to 13. Since February 2026, the state has received three new Ramsar Site recognitions within a span of just a few months. These include Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district in February, Shekha Bird Sanctuary in Aligarh in April, and now Surha Tal in Ballia in June. Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh stated that the notification of new Ramsar Sites will promote both domestic and international tourism in these regions. This, in turn, will generate employment opportunities for local residents and strengthen the local economy. He further emphasized that the initiative to conserve wetlands across the state will not only reinforce biodiversity conservation but also support the protection of migratory birds, enhance water security, maintain ecological balance, and improve the livelihoods of local communities. The state government continues to make sustained efforts to strengthen the conservation and management of wetlands across Uttar Pradesh.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.