Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary added to Ramsar List

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary added to Ramsar List


India has added Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary to the List of Wetlands of International Importance (the “Ramsar List”), bringing its total number of “Ramsar Sites” to 99. This partially human-made wetland complex (Site No. 2594 on the Ramsar list), comprising Shekha Jheel Lake and surrounding deciduous forest, was formed following the construction in the 1850s of the Upper Ganges Canal, which flows adjacent to the Site.

The transition between the open water body and the forest has created ecological niches, resulting in a large variety of plant and animal species. This biodiversity is reflected in the presence of 249 bird species, among which 62 are wetland dependent. Notable birds include the vulnerable Indian river tern (Sterna aurantia) and sarus crane (Grus antigone). Owing to its importance for bird conservation, the Site has been designated as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.

The Site also supports other water-dependent species, such as three threatened turtle species: the black pond turtle (Geoclemys hamiltonii), Indian flap-shelled turtle (Lissemys punctata), and Ganges soft-shelled turtle (Nilssonia gangetica).

Ongoing management interventions include de-siltation of the lake to restore optimal water depth, and measures to control invasive species.

The boundary of the Ramsar site is defined by the village boundaries of Bhawankheda, Nagla Banjara and Daulatpur village in the north, while the southern boundary is defined by the boundaries of village Shekha, Dumhaira and Adalpur. Similarly the eastern boundary of the Ramsar site is marked by Upper Ganga canal, while the western boundary is defined by the village boundaries of Bhojpur villages.Sheikha Lake is surrounded on three side by vegetation.

Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary is located in the flat landscape of the Upper Gangetic Plain and is characterized by a mosaic of wetlands, grasslands, forest and peripheral agricultural lands. The surrounding alluvial plain is composed of fertile Gangetic soils that support extensive agriculture, particularly wheat and paddy cultivation. The Upper Ganga canal flows next to the wetland.