Relevance: APPSC: Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs, Health Programmes, Public Awareness Campaigns, Yoga and Wellness.
For Prelims:
- Yogandhra-2026, International Yoga Day, June 21, Preventive Healthcare, Master Trainers, Lepakshi Temple, Yoga Awareness Campaign.
For Mains:
- Public Health Awareness, Preventive Healthcare, Mental Health, Lifestyle Diseases, Community Participation, Health Promotion, Indian Knowledge Systems.
Why in News?
The Andhra Pradesh government launched its flagship Yogandhra-2026 campaign on June 7, 2026.
The campaign began with an enthusiastic response, as 25,000 people registered on the Yogandhra portal on the first day. The initiative aims to involve one crore people in yoga activities ahead of International Yoga Day on June 21.
The campaign will continue till June 20, with awareness and promotional programmes across all 28 districts of Andhra Pradesh.
What is Yogandhra-2026?
Yogandhra-2026 is a State-level yoga awareness and participation campaign launched by the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
The main aim is to promote yoga as a part of daily life and encourage people to adopt it for physical fitness, mental health and overall well-being.
It is being conducted as part of the preparations for International Yoga Day, observed every year on June 21.
Key Highlights
- Campaign launched on June 7, 2026.
- 25,000 people registered on the Yogandhra portal on the first day.
- Target is to involve one crore people in yoga activities.
- Activities will continue till June 20, 2026.
- Programmes will be organised across all 28 districts.
- State-level inaugural event was held at Lepakshi Temple in Sri Sathya Sai district.
- 5,922 Master Trainers completed training.
- 50,752 people received yoga training on the first day.
- Government aims to train 2.5 lakh people through a five-day programme.
Major Activities under the Campaign
1. State-level Launch
The State-level event was held at Lepakshi Temple under the leadership of Health Minister N. Satya Kumar Yadav.
The Minister described yoga as a symbol of Indian culture and way of life and urged citizens to participate actively.
2. Training through Master Trainers
A total of 5,922 Master Trainers completed training. These trainers will guide yoga practice and awareness programmes across the State.
3. District-level Yoga Events
Yoga events were held at important places across Andhra Pradesh, including:
- Lepakshi: 1,952 participants
- Ontimitta, Kadapa district: 625 participants
- Manginapudi Beach, Krishna district: 758 participants
- SV Zoo Park, Tirupati: 2,150 participants
4. Theme-based Yoga Programmes
Theme-based yoga events were organised in:
- Vijayawada: Around 1,000 police personnel participated.
- Amalapuram: Around 845 farmers attended.
5. Village and Ward Secretariat Competitions
- Yoga awareness competitions were conducted through 253 village and ward secretariats.
- Around 1,700 participants took part on the first day. These competitions will continue for 13 days with different yoga-related themes.
6. Medical Colleges’ Participation
The government directed all government medical colleges to organise Yogandhra activities till June 20 and encourage medical students to participate.
Importance of Yoga
Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques and mental discipline.
It helps in:
- Improving physical fitness
- Reducing stress
- Improving concentration
- Strengthening immunity
- Supporting mental health
- Preventing lifestyle diseases
- Improving flexibility and balance
- Promoting discipline and healthy living
In modern public health, yoga is important because it promotes preventive healthcare.
Significance of Yogandhra-2026
1. Promotes Preventive Healthcare
The campaign encourages people to adopt yoga before diseases develop. This can reduce the burden of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity.
2. Strengthens Mental Health
Yoga can help reduce stress, anxiety and mental fatigue. This is important for students, working people, police personnel and farmers.
3. Encourages Community Participation
The campaign involves citizens, police personnel, farmers, students, medical colleges and local secretariats. This makes it a community-driven health initiative.
4. Connects Culture with Health
Yoga is part of India’s cultural heritage. Yogandhra-2026 links traditional knowledge with modern health awareness.
5. Supports International Yoga Day
The campaign prepares the State for large-scale participation in International Yoga Day on June 21.
6. Decentralised Awareness
By using village and ward secretariats, the campaign can reach people at the grassroots level.
Challenges
- Sustaining public interest after International Yoga Day.
- Ensuring participation from rural and remote areas.
- Training quality must be maintained across all districts.
- People with health conditions need safe and guided yoga practice.
- Awareness should not remain limited to one-time events.
- Regular follow-up is needed to make yoga part of daily routine.
Way Forward
- Continue yoga sessions beyond June 21.
- Include yoga in schools, colleges and community health centres.
- Train local volunteers at village and ward levels.
- Prepare simple yoga modules for farmers, police, students and elderly people.
- Use digital platforms for daily yoga guidance.
- Link yoga with preventive health programmes.
- Encourage medical colleges to conduct research on yoga and lifestyle diseases.
- Promote inclusive yoga sessions for women, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Conclusion
Yogandhra-2026 is an important public health and awareness campaign by the Andhra Pradesh government. Its target of involving one crore people shows the State’s focus on preventive healthcare and community wellness.
Yoga can help improve physical fitness, mental health and lifestyle discipline. The success of the campaign will depend on regular practice, trained guidance, grassroots participation and continuity beyond International Yoga Day. If implemented effectively, Yogandhra-2026 can become a strong model for community-based health promotion.
CARE MCQ
Q. With reference to Yogandhra-2026, consider the following pairs:
| Place | Participation/Event |
| Lepakshi | State-level inaugural event |
| Vijayawada | Police personnel yoga programme |
| Amalapuram | Farmers’ yoga programme |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Answer: C
Explanation:
- Lepakshi hosted the State-level inaugural event.
- Vijayawada held a yoga event with police personnel.
- Amalapuram held a yoga programme with farmers.
- Hence, all three pairs are correctly matched.
FAQs
1. What is Yogandhra-2026?
Yogandhra-2026 is a yoga awareness and participation campaign launched by the Andhra Pradesh government.
2. When was Yogandhra-2026 launched?
It was launched on June 7, 2026.
3. What is the target of the campaign?
The campaign aims to involve one crore people in yoga activities.
4. Why is June 21 important?
June 21 is observed as International Yoga Day.
5. How many people registered on the first day?
Around 25,000 people registered on the Yogandhra portal on the first day.
6. How many Master Trainers were trained?
A total of 5,922 Master Trainers completed training.
7. What is the role of medical colleges?
Government medical colleges have been directed to organise Yogandhra activities and encourage students to participate.
8. Why is yoga important?
Yoga promotes physical fitness, mental peace, stress reduction and preventive healthcare.
Relevance: UPSC: GS Paper II – Indian Polity, Indian Constitution, Judiciary, Separation of Powers, Executive-Legislature Relations, Constitutional Bodies.
For Prelims:
- Article 123, Ordinance, Supreme Court, Collegium, Judicial Independence, Security of Tenure, NJAC, S.P. Gupta Case, Krishna Kumar Singh Case, D.C. Wadhwa Case.
For Mains:
- Judicial Independence, Separation of Powers, Executive Overreach, Security of Tenure, Constitutional Morality, Open Constitutionalism, Checks and Balances.
Why in News?
Five judges were recently sworn in to the Supreme Court of India after the sanctioned strength of the Court was increased from 34 to 38 through a Presidential Ordinance.
The issue has raised important constitutional questions about judicial independence, security of tenure, and the judiciary’s institutional distance from the executive.
The concern is not about the merit of the judges. The concern is about whether the Supreme Court should accept appointments to posts created through an Ordinance when Parliament is yet to approve the law.
What is the Issue?
The Supreme Court currently has judges appointed against posts created by an Ordinance.
The key issue is this:
If Parliament does not replace the Ordinance with a law, the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court may revert to 34. This may create uncertainty regarding the status of judges appointed to the Ordinance-created posts.
This raises a larger question:
“Can judicial independence appear secure if the continuance of judicial posts depends on executive action and later parliamentary approval?”
Constitutional Provision: Article 123
Article 123 of the Indian Constitution gives the President power to promulgate Ordinances when Parliament is not in session.
An Ordinance has the same force and effect as an Act of Parliament, but it is temporary. It must be placed before both Houses of Parliament and will cease to operate after six weeks from the reassembly of Parliament if it is not approved.
In simple words, an Ordinance is an emergency law-making power of the executive, but it cannot become a substitute for regular parliamentary law-making.
Background of the Ordinance
The sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court was increased from 34 to 38 judges through an Ordinance.
Out of the five judges sworn in:
- Four had served as Chief Justices of High Courts.
- One came from the Bar.
- Three appointments were against existing vacancies.
- Two appointments were directly linked to the newly created posts under the Ordinance.
The concern is that if the Ordinance lapses or is rejected, the constitutional status of the posts may become uncertain.
Collegium’s Acceptance and Concerns
- The Supreme Court Collegium accepted the Ordinance-created increase in strength and recommended appointments.
- This has raised concerns because the judiciary has traditionally defended its independence from executive influence.
- The issue is whether accepting temporary posts created by the executive may create an impression that the Court’s institutional strength depends on executive goodwill.
- Even if the appointment of individual judges is valid, the larger concern is about the appearance of independence.
Judicial Independence and Security of Tenure
Judicial independence has two important aspects:
1. Actual Independence
- Judges must be free from pressure by the executive, legislature, media or powerful groups.
2. Appearance of Independence
The judiciary must also appear independent in the eyes of the public.
If judicial posts are created temporarily by Ordinance and appointments are made before parliamentary approval, questions may arise about:
- Security of tenure
- Institutional independence
- Executive influence
- Separation of powers
- Public confidence in the Court
Security of tenure is a basic requirement for judicial independence. A judge should not feel that his or her continuation depends on the government’s future action.
Important Supreme Court Judgments
1. D.C. Wadhwa v. State of Bihar, 1986
- The Supreme Court held that repeated re-promulgation of Ordinances is unconstitutional. Ordinance-making cannot become a parallel law-making power.
2. Krishna Kumar Singh v. State of Bihar, 2017
- The Supreme Court ruled that Ordinance-making power is not a substitute for legislative power. Re-promulgation of Ordinances without placing them before the legislature is against constitutional principles.
3. Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association v. Union of India, 2015
- The Supreme Court struck down the 99th Constitutional Amendment and the National Judicial Appointments Commission Act. The Court held that judicial primacy in appointments is part of judicial independence.
- These judgments show that the Court has repeatedly protected judicial independence and limited executive overreach.
Larger Constitutional Question
The issue is not merely administrative. It is a question of constitutional principle.
The larger question is:
“Should the judiciary rely on Ordinance-created posts when the Ordinance itself depends on later approval by Parliament?”
If the Ordinance is approved, the issue may disappear legally. But if it is not approved, uncertainty may arise.
Even before such uncertainty arises, the very dependence on a temporary executive law-making instrument can create discomfort regarding the independence of the judiciary.
Challenges
1. Temporary Nature of Ordinance
- An Ordinance is not a permanent law. It needs parliamentary approval.
2. Security of Tenure
- Judges appointed to Ordinance-created posts may face uncertainty if the Ordinance lapses.
3. Executive Dependence
- The judiciary may appear dependent on executive action for its institutional expansion.
4. Constitutional Morality
- Ordinance power should be used only when immediate action is necessary, not as a routine law-making tool.
5. Institutional Trust
- Any appearance of executive influence may affect public confidence in the judiciary.
Way Forward
- The strength of the Supreme Court should preferably be increased through a regular parliamentary law, not by Ordinance.
- Ordinance-making power must be used only in genuine urgency.
- Judicial appointments should avoid situations that create uncertainty about tenure.
- Parliament must debate and decide such changes transparently.
- The Collegium should consider not only legal validity but also the institutional appearance of independence.
- Clear safeguards are needed when Ordinances affect constitutional institutions.
- Judicial manpower planning should be done in advance to avoid emergency-style expansion.
Conclusion
The increase in Supreme Court strength may be necessary because of rising caseloads and vacancies. However, the method used to create additional posts is constitutionally sensitive.
The judiciary must remain independent not only in reality but also in public perception. Ordinance-created judicial posts may create doubts about security of tenure and institutional autonomy. Therefore, matters affecting the composition and strength of the Supreme Court should ideally be handled through full parliamentary scrutiny and regular legislation.
A strong judiciary requires adequate judges, but it also requires constitutional methods that preserve its independence, dignity and public trust.
UPSC PYQ
Q. ‘X’ was addressing a seminar on the meaning of the term “law” as provided under Article 13 of Part III of the Constitution of India. ‘X’ explained that the meaning of the term “law” is very comprehensive and includes Ordinances, orders, bye-laws, rules, regulations and notifications. However, ‘X’ was not convinced that the term “law” also includes customs or usages having the force of law in India. ‘Y’ argued that customs or usages having the force of law are also included under Article 13.
Based on the above, select the correct conclusion from the options given below: (UPSC 2026)
A. ‘X’ is correct in the interpretation of law, including the view on non-inclusion of custom.
B. The view of ‘Y’ that “law” includes custom is not correct.
C. The views of both ‘X’ and ‘Y’ are correct.
D. The view of only ‘Y’ is correct.
Answer: D
Explanation
Under Article 13(3)(a) of the Constitution of India, the term “law” has a very wide meaning.
It includes:
- Ordinance
- Order
- Bye-law
- Rule
- Regulation
- Notification
- Custom or usage having the force of law
Therefore, customs and usages are also included within the meaning of “law” under Article 13 if they have the force of law in India.
In the given question, X is partly correct because ordinances, rules, regulations and orders are included in the meaning of law. However, X is incorrect because he rejects the inclusion of custom or usage.
Y is correct because Article 13 clearly includes custom or usage having the force of law.
CARE MCQ
Q. Which of the following cases is associated with the issue of repeated re-promulgation of Ordinances?
A. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
B. D.C. Wadhwa v. State of Bihar
C. Minerva Mills v. Union of India
D. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India
Answer: B
Explanation:
D.C. Wadhwa v. State of Bihar is associated with the Supreme Court’s ruling against repeated re-promulgation of Ordinances.
FAQs
1. What is Article 123?
Article 123 gives the President power to promulgate Ordinances when Parliament is not in session.
2. What is an Ordinance?
An Ordinance is a temporary law made by the executive when immediate action is needed and Parliament is not in session.
3. What was the issue in the recent Supreme Court context?
The sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court was increased from 34 to 38 through an Ordinance.
4. Why is this controversial?
Because judicial posts created through an Ordinance depend on later parliamentary approval, raising concerns about security of tenure and judicial independence.
5. What is judicial independence?
Judicial independence means courts and judges must be free from pressure or control by the executive, legislature or any external force.
6. Which case dealt with repeated Ordinance re-promulgation?
D.C. Wadhwa v. State of Bihar dealt with repeated re-promulgation of Ordinances.
7. Why is security of tenure important?
Security of tenure protects judges from pressure and helps them decide cases independently.
8. What is the best way to increase Supreme Court strength?
The better method is through regular parliamentary legislation after proper debate.
Relevance: UPSC: GS Paper III – Environment, Biodiversity, Conservation, Wetlands, Climate Resilience.
For Prelims:
- Ramsar Convention, Ramsar Site, Surha Tal, Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary, Ballia, Oxbow Lake, Central Asian Flyway, Montreux Record, World Wetlands Day.
For Mains:
- Wetland Conservation, Biodiversity Protection, Climate Resilience, Flood Buffer, Ecosystem Services, Community Conservation, Sustainable Livelihoods.
Why in News?
The Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary, also known as Surha Tal, in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh, has been declared India’s 100th Ramsar Site.The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Environment Day, 5 June 2026.
What are Ramsar Sites?
- Ramsar Sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention.
- A wetland may include marshes, fens, peatlands, lakes, rivers, floodplains, coastal wetlands and shallow marine areas up to six metres deep at low tide.
- The Ramsar Convention defines wetlands as areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with static or flowing water, fresh, brackish or saline.
- In India, the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 exclude river channels, paddy fields, drinking water tanks and water bodies specifically created for aquaculture, salt production, recreation or irrigation.
Ramsar Convention
- The Ramsar Convention is also known as the Convention on Wetlands.
- It was adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran and came into force in 1975. The convention works under the broad framework of international wetland conservation.
- Its main objective is the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
Key Facts
- Adopted: 1971
- Place: Ramsar, Iran
- Came into force: 1975
- India joined: 1982
- World Wetlands Day: 2 February
- Largest Ramsar Site in the world: Pantanal, South America
- Largest Ramsar Site in India: Sundarbans, West Bengal
- Smallest Ramsar Site in India: Vembanur Wetland Complex, Tamil Nadu
Montreux Record
- The Montreux Record was adopted in 1990 at Montreux, Switzerland.
- It is a register of Ramsar Sites where ecological character has changed, is changing, or is likely to change due to human interference, pollution or other factors.
- It identifies Ramsar Sites that need priority conservation attention.
India and Ramsar Convention
- India became a contracting party to the Ramsar Convention in 1982.
- With the addition of Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary, India now has 100 Ramsar Sites.
- India’s Ramsar network covers wetlands across all States and Union Territories and reflects the country’s diverse wetland ecosystems such as lakes, marshes, mangroves, floodplains, coastal wetlands and high-altitude wetlands.
India’s Ramsar Achievement
With 100 Ramsar Sites, India has achieved an important global milestone.
Global Position
- India has the highest number of Ramsar Sites in Asia.
- India ranks 3rd globally.
- The United Kingdom has the highest number of Ramsar Sites with 176 sites.
- Mexico ranks second with 144 sites.
- India ranks third with 100 sites.
About Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary
- Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary is the 13th Ramsar Site in Uttar Pradesh.
- Earlier in 2026, other Uttar Pradesh wetlands such as Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Aligarh district and Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district were also added to the Ramsar list.
- The Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary is located at Surha Tal in Ballia district of eastern Uttar Pradesh.
- It lies in the middle stretch of the Ganga River basin.
- The Uttar Pradesh government originally declared it a bird sanctuary in 1991.
Formation and Ecology
- Surha Tal is a large natural oxbow lake. An oxbow lake is formed when a river changes its course and leaves behind a curved water body.
- The wetland was formed by the meandering course of the Ganga River.
- It receives freshwater inflow through three primary channels. During the monsoon season, it expands widely over floodplains and marshes.
- This makes Surha Tal an important floodplain wetland and a valuable habitat for birds, fish and other wetland-dependent species.
Biodiversity of Surha Tal
- Surha Tal is rich in avifaunal biodiversity and attracts both migratory and resident birds.
Avifauna
The sanctuary lies on the Central Asian Flyway. It serves as a critical stopover and wintering ground for migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia.
Important bird species include:
- Common Pochard
- Indian River Tern
- Sarus Crane
- Bar-headed Goose
Aquatic Life
The wetland supports:
- More than 221 plant species
- Around 66 fish species
Important fish species include:
- Wallago attu
- Bagarius bagarius
Cultural Importance
- Surha Tal is linked with local historical, religious and traditional beliefs.
- This makes it not only an ecological site but also a socio-ecological landscape in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
- The Ramsar recognition can help promote conservation with local community participation and sustainable eco-tourism.
Importance of Wetlands
- Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth.
They provide many ecological and social benefits:
- Support biodiversity, provide habitat for migratory and resident birds, Recharge groundwater, Control floods, reduce drought impact, Store carbon, purify water, Support fisheries and livelihoods, protect communities from cyclones and extreme events, Contribute to water and food security
Wetlands are therefore important for climate resilience, disaster risk reduction and human well-being.
Recent Developments in Wetland Conservation in India
1. Wetlands of India Portal
The Wetlands of India Portal was launched on 2 October 2021 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
It provides information on India’s wetlands, data repositories, capacity-building materials and dashboards for States and Union Territories.
2. National Wetland Decadal Change Atlas
Prepared by the Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad, this atlas highlights changes in wetlands across India over the past decade.
3. Centre for Wetland Conservation and Management
The Centre for Wetland Conservation and Management was established on World Wetlands Day 2021.
It focuses on research, knowledge gaps and scientific support for wetland conservation.
4. Wetlands Rejuvenation Programme
Launched by MoEFCC in 2020, the programme aims to rejuvenate over 500 wetlands across India through baseline information, stakeholder participation and management planning.
5. National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems
In 2013, the National Wetlands Conservation Programme and the National Lake Conservation Plan were merged to create the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems.
It reflects a holistic government approach to protecting wetlands and lakes.
6. Amrit Dharohar Scheme
Launched in the Union Budget 2023–24, the Amrit Dharohar Scheme aims to optimise wetland use over three years.
Its goals include:
- Enhancing biodiversity
- Increasing carbon stock
- Promoting eco-tourism
- Generating income for local communities
7. Integration with Namami Gange
The Namami Gange Programme integrates wetland conservation with river basin management.
This provides a model for linking river rejuvenation with wetland protection.
8. National Wildlife Action Plan
The National Wildlife Action Plan 2017–2031 emphasises conservation of inland aquatic ecosystems, including wetlands.
It recognises wetlands as important habitats for biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Ramsar Sites in India: State-wise List
| S.No | Ramsar Site | State/UT | Designated Year |
| 1 | Kolleru Lake | Andhra Pradesh | 2002 |
| 2 | Deepor Beel | Assam | 2002 |
| 3 | Kanwar (Kabar) Taal | Bihar | 2020 |
| 4 | Nagi Bird Sanctuary | Bihar | 2023 |
| 5 | Nakti Bird Sanctuary | Bihar | 2023 |
| 6 | Nanda Lake | Goa | 2022 |
| 7 | Khijadia WLS | Gujarat | 2021 |
| 8 | Nalsarovar BS | Gujarat | 2012 |
| 9 | Thol Lake | Gujarat | 2021 |
| 10 | Wadhvana Wetland | Gujarat | 2021 |
| 11 | Bhindawas WLS | Haryana | 2021 |
| 12 | Sultanpur NP | Haryana | 2021 |
| 13 | Chandra Taal | Himachal Pradesh | 2005 |
| 14 | Pong Dam Lake | Himachal Pradesh | 2002 |
| 15 | Renuka Lake | Himachal Pradesh | 2005 |
| 16 | Ranganathittu BS | Karnataka | 2022 |
| 17 | Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve | Karnataka | 2024 |
| 18 | Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve | Karnataka | 2024 |
| 19 | Aghanashini Estuary | Karnataka | 2024 |
| 20 | Ashtamudi Wetland | Kerala | 2002 |
| 21 | Sasthamkotta Lake | Kerala | 2002 |
| 22 | Vembanad-Kol Wetland | Kerala | 1905 |
| 23 | Bhoj Wetland | Madhya Pradesh | 2002 |
| 24 | Sakhya Sagar | Madhya Pradesh | 2022 |
| 25 | Sirpur Wetland | Madhya Pradesh | 2022 |
| 26 | Yashwant Sagar | Madhya Pradesh | 2022 |
| 27 | Tawa Reservoir | Madhya Pradesh | 2024 |
| 28 | Lonar Lake | Maharashtra | 2020 |
| 29 | Nandur Madhameshwar | Maharashtra | 2019 |
| 30 | Thane Creek | Maharashtra | 2022 |
| 31 | Loktak Lake | Manipur | 1990 |
| 32 | Pala Wetland | Mizoram | 2021 |
| 33 | Ansupa Lake | Odisha | 2021 |
| 34 | Bhitarkanika Mangroves | Odisha | 2002 |
| 35 | Chilika Lake | Odisha | 1981 |
| 36 | Hirakud Reservoir | Odisha | 2021 |
| 37 | Satkosia Gorge | Odisha | 2021 |
| 38 | Tampara Lake | Odisha | 2021 |
| 39 | Beas CnR | Punjab | 2019 |
| 40 | Harike Wetland | Punjab | 1990 |
| 41 | Kanjli Wetland | Punjab | 2002 |
| 42 | Keshopur-Miani CmR | Punjab | 2019 |
| 43 | Nangal WLS | Punjab | 2019 |
| 44 | Ropar Wetland | Punjab | 2002 |
| 45 | Keoladeo National Park | Rajasthan | 1981 |
| 46 | Sambhar Lake | Rajasthan | 1990 |
| 47 | Chitrangudi BS | Tamil Nadu | 2021 |
| 48 | Gulf of Mannar Marine BR | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 49 | Kanjirankulam BS | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 50 | Karikili BS | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 51 | Koonthankulam BS | Tamil Nadu | 2021 |
| 52 | Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 53 | Pichavaram Mangrove | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 54 | Point Calimere WLS & BS | Tamil Nadu | 2002 |
| 55 | Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 56 | Udhayamarthandapuram BS | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 57 | Vaduvur BS | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 58 | Vedanthangal BS | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 59 | Vellode BS | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 60 | Vembannur Wetland Complex | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 61 | Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu | 2024 |
| 62 | Longwood Shola Reserve Forest | Tamil Nadu | 2024 |
| 63 | Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu | 2024 |
| 64 | Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu | 2024 |
| 65 | Rudrasagar Lake | Tripura | 2005 |
| 66 | Hokera Wetland | UT of Jammu & Kashmir | 2005 |
| 67 | Hygam Wetland CnR | UT of Jammu & Kashmir | 2022 |
| 68 | Shallbugh Wetland CnR | UT of Jammu & Kashmir | 2022 |
| 69 | Surinsar-Mansar Lakes | UT of Jammu & Kashmir | 2005 |
| 70 | Wular Lake | UT of Jammu & Kashmir | 1990 |
| 71 | Tso Kar | UT of Ladakh | 2020 |
| 72 | Tsomoriri | UT of Ladakh | 2002 |
| 73 | Bakhira WLS | Uttar Pradesh | 2021 |
| 74 | Haiderpur Wetland | Uttar Pradesh | 2021 |
| 75 | Nawabganj BS | Uttar Pradesh | 2019 |
| 76 | Parvati Arga BS | Uttar Pradesh | 2019 |
| 77 | Saman BS | Uttar Pradesh | 2019 |
| 78 | Samaspur BS | Uttar Pradesh | 2019 |
| 79 | Sandi BS | Uttar Pradesh | 2019 |
| 80 | Sarsai Nawar Jheel | Uttar Pradesh | 2019 |
| 81 | Sur Sarovar (Keetham Lake) | Uttar Pradesh | 2020 |
| 82 | Upper Ganga River (Brijghat to Narora) | Uttar Pradesh | 2005 |
| 83 | Asan Barrage | Uttarakhand | 2020 |
| 84 | East Kolkata Wetlands | West Bengal | 2002 |
| 85 | Sundarban Wetland | West Bengal | 2019 |
| 86 | Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu | 2025 |
| 87 | Therthangal Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu | 2025 |
| 88 | Khecheopalri Wetland | Sikkim | 2025 |
| 89 | Udhwa Lake | Jharkhand | 2025 |
| 90 | Khichan (Phalodi) | Rajasthan | 2025 |
| 91 | Menar (Udaipur) | Rajasthan | 2025 |
| 92 | Gokul Jalashay | Bihar | 2025 |
| 93 | Udaipur Jheel | Bihar | 2025 |
| 94 | Gogabeel Lake | Bihar | 2025 |
| 95 | Siliserh Lake | Rajasthan | 2025 |
| 96 | Kopra Jalashay | Chhattisgarh | 2025 |
| 97 | Patna Bird Sanctuary | Uttar Pradesh | 2026 |
| 98 | Chhari-Dhand | Kutch, Gujarat | 2026 |
| 99 | Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary | Uttar Pradesh | 2026 |
| 100 | Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary | Uttar Pradesh | 2026 |
Challenges
- Encroachment around wetlands
- Pollution from nearby settlements and agriculture
- Excessive fishing pressure
- Invasive species
- Siltation and reduction in water spread
- Climate change and irregular rainfall
- Lack of local awareness
- Poor inter-departmental coordination
- Risk of unregulated tourism
- Conflict between livelihood use and conservation needs
Way Forward
- Prepare a scientific management plan for Surha Tal.
- Monitor bird, fish and plant diversity regularly.
- Prevent encroachment and pollution.
- Promote community-based wetland conservation.
- Control invasive species.
- Regulate fishing and tourism.
- Strengthen local awareness programmes.
- Link wetland conservation with sustainable livelihoods.
- Use the Ramsar tag to promote research and eco-tourism.
- Ensure coordination among forest, irrigation, tourism and local governance departments.
- Integrate wetland conservation with river basin management and climate adaptation planning.
Conclusion
The designation of Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary / Surha Tal as India’s 100th Ramsar Site is a proud milestone in India’s environmental journey.Wetlands are not wastelands. They are living ecosystems that support biodiversity, water security, climate resilience and local livelihoods.The success of this Ramsar recognition will depend on strong protection, scientific management, community participation and sustainable use. Surha Tal can become a model for conserving wetlands while supporting people and nature together.
UPSC PYQ
Q. “If rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys.” (UPSC 2022)
Which one of the following functions of wetlands best reflects the above statement?
A. The water cycle in wetlands involves surface runoff, subsoil percolation and evaporation.
B. Algae form the nutrient base upon which fish, crustaceans, molluscs, birds, reptiles and mammals thrive.
C. Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining sedimentation balance and soil stabilization.
D. Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.
Answer: D
Explanation
Wetlands are called the “kidneys of the Earth” because they help in filtering and purifying water.
Just as kidneys remove waste materials from the blood, wetlands remove pollutants from water. Aquatic plants present in wetlands absorb heavy metals, excess nutrients and harmful substances. This improves water quality and maintains ecological balance.
Therefore, the function that best reflects the role of wetlands as kidneys of the Earth is:
Additional Information
Wetlands are important because they:
- Act as natural water filters
- Help in flood control
- Recharge groundwater
- Support fish, birds and other biodiversity
- Store carbon and help in climate regulation
- Protect coastlines from erosion and storms
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following countries in the context of the number of Ramsar Sites:
- India
- Mexico
- United Kingdom
What is the correct order of these countries from the highest to the lowest number of Ramsar Sites?
A. 3 – 2 – 1
B. 2 – 3 – 1
C. 3 – 1 – 2
D. 1 – 2 – 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
According to the given information:
- United Kingdom has the highest number of Ramsar Sites with 176 sites.
- It is followed by Mexico.
- India comes next and has reached 100 Ramsar Sites.
So, the correct order is:
United Kingdom → Mexico → India
That is:
3 → 2 → 1
FAQs
1. Which is India’s 100th Ramsar Site?
Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary / Surha Tal in Uttar Pradesh is India’s 100th Ramsar Site.
2. Where is Surha Tal located?
It is located in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh.
3. What is the Ramsar Convention?
It is an international treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
4. When did India join the Ramsar Convention?
India became a party to the Ramsar Convention in 1982.
5. What is World Wetlands Day?
World Wetlands Day is observed on 2 February every year.
