Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal)
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Overview
Surha Tal is a large natural oxbow lake in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh, protected as the Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary. It is linked to the Ganga by a channel that fills and drains it with the seasons.
It supports large numbers of wintering ducks and waterbirds and local fisheries.
It was designated a Ramsar site in 2026, one of the newest in Uttar Pradesh.
Geography and key facts
- Oxbow lake, Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh
- Named after Jayaprakash Narayan, born nearby
- Ramsar site (2026)
- Linked to the Ganga by a seasonal channel
Why it matters for UPSC
A new Ramsar entry; Ballia was also known for its parallel government during the Quit India Movement in 1942.
Note for UPSC
Ramsar site (wetland of international importance), Uttar Pradesh.
Ramsar sites come up as wetland–state pairs and in questions on conservation status.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) yet.
Key facts
- Type
- Ramsar site
- State / UT
- Uttar Pradesh
- Coordinates
- 25.850°N, 84.167°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Forests, Wetlands, Mangroves and Coral Reefs (map lesson)