The correct answer is Surha Tal (Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary) In News • On World Environment Day (June 5, 2026), India designated Surha Tal of Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, as its 100th Ramsar site. Explanation & Key Takeaways: • Surha Tal, also known as the Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary, is located in the middle stretch of the Ganga River basin in Ballia. • It is a freshwater wetland originally formed from a meander of the Ganga and receives freshwater through three channels. • With this designation, the wetland becomes the world’s 2,595th Ramsar site under the 1971 Ramsar Convention. • The site provides a critical refuge for waterbirds such as the vulnerable common pochard (Aythya ferina) and the Indian river tern (Sterna aurantia), especially during summer months. • It also supports the vulnerable fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), which uses the wetland as a feeding ground. Related Concepts: • India now has the highest number of Ramsar wetlands in Asia and the third highest in the world, trailing only the UK (176) and Mexico (144). • The number of Indian Ramsar sites has increased from 26 to 100 in the past 11 years, with 58 sites added in the last four years alone. • The Ramsar Convention was adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar and includes 172 member countries. Important Notes: • The sanctuary supports a rich biodiversity including 221 plant species, 66 fish species (including vulnerable Wallago attu), seven reptile species, and three amphibian species. • Management measures such as seasonal controls and prohibition of destructive practices are in place to address over-fishing and aquatic resource harvesting.