Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Aligarh Designated as Ramsar Site, India Nears Century Mark
In a significant environmental milestone, Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary located in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, has been officially designated as a Ramsar Site. This prestigious recognition elevates India's tally of wetlands of international importance to an impressive 99, bringing the nation closer to achieving a century of such protected ecosystems.
Union Minister Announces the Development
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, made the announcement through a post on social media platform X. He expressed his delight, stating, "Delighted to announce the designation of Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary (Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh) as a Ramsar site. This will boost local livelihoods and strengthen global biodiversity, along with water and climate security." He further highlighted that this marks the 12th Ramsar site in Uttar Pradesh, underscoring the state's commitment to wetland conservation.
Ecological Significance and Habitat
Shekha Jheel serves as a critical stopover along the Central Asian Flyway, providing essential habitat for numerous migratory bird species during the winter months. Key visitors include the bar-headed goose, painted stork, and various duck species. Situated approximately 17 kilometers from Aligarh city on Gangiri Road, the sanctuary has emerged as a vital wetland ecosystem in western Uttar Pradesh, attracting nearly 20,000 migratory birds across 186 species annually.
The sanctuary is also renowned for sightings of the Sarus crane, the state bird of Uttar Pradesh, making it an important habitat for this iconic species. Birdwatchers can observe a diverse array of resident and migratory birds, such as:
- Storks
- Kingfishers
- Parakeets
- Ducks and geese
- Eagles and owls
Facilities and Eco-Tourism Initiatives
To promote eco-tourism and environmental awareness, several facilities have been developed within the sanctuary. Range Forest Officer Gaurav Singh detailed these amenities, which include:
- A nature interpretation center
- Watchtowers for bird observation
- Walking trails
- An administrative building for awareness programs
- A child-friendly park
Basic amenities such as parking, a canteen, and binocular facilities are also available to enhance visitor experience.
Conservation and Global Recognition
Officials emphasized the sanctuary's dual role in conservation and tourism. District Forest Officer Shivam Kumar remarked, "It is an honour for Aligarh and UP. Officials and staff worked hard to maintain this wetland, which has now received global recognition." The sanctuary, established in 2010 under the social forestry division of Aligarh, was developed to conserve local and migratory birds, along with aquatic flora and fauna. It plays a key role in maintaining regional biodiversity and ecological balance.
Migratory birds typically begin arriving in November, with numbers peaking in December and January, when thousands of birds can be spotted across the wetland. By March, most migratory species return to their native habitats, while several local species continue to nest and breed.
Visitor Information and Accessibility
Nature guide Ishak Mohammad, associated with the sanctuary for nearly two decades, noted that school groups frequently visit for birdwatching tours. "Children regularly come here to observe different bird species," he said. The park is open from 9 am to 5 pm, with winter timings adjusted to 10 am to 5 pm. Entry fees are set at Rs 30 for Indian visitors and Rs 350 for foreign tourists.
In terms of connectivity, Aligarh Junction railway station is approximately 15 kilometers away, while Dhanipur Airstrip is around 7 kilometers from the site. The best time to visit is between November and February, coinciding with the peak migratory season.
This designation not only highlights India's growing commitment to wetland conservation but also positions Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary as a beacon for biodiversity, eco-tourism, and sustainable development in the region.
