Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary
Why in News?
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav announced on April 21, 2026, that Shekha Jheel was designated India's 99th Ramsar site and Uttar Pradesh's 12th, boosting local livelihoods, biodiversity, water security, and climate efforts.
Location & Geography
- District: Located near the village of Shekha, about 17 km from Aligarh city.
- Origin: It is a perennial freshwater lake that was formed alongside the Upper Ganges Canal.
- Area: Covers approximately 7 to 10 hectares of water body and surrounding marshland.
- Migratory Hub: Every winter, thousands of bird’s travels from Siberia, Tibet, and Europe to this sanctuary.
- Key Species:
- Northern Shoveler
- Red-crested Pochard
- Bar-headed Goose
- Common Teal
- Greylag Goose
- Resident Birds: It is also home to local species like the Sarus Crane (State bird of UP), Painted Stork, and various types of Kingfishers.
Conservation Status
- Protective Status: It is currently managed by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department.
- Community Involvement: The local "Shekha Jheel Bachao" committees play a vital role in preventing poaching and maintaining the cleanliness of the lake.
- Water Source: The lake depends primarily on the rainfall and the excess water diverted from the adjacent canal.
Key Initiatives
- Watchtowers: Strategically placed towers allow for long-range bird watching without entering the core nesting areas.
- Interpretation Centre: A digital centre provides information on the migratory routes and the life cycles of the visiting birds.
- No-Plastic Zone: The entire perimeter has been declared a strict no-plastic zone to protect the avian health.
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