New Delhi, June 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a significant achievement for India on Friday, revealing that the Jay Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, has been designated as the country’s 100th Ramsar site.
He highlighted the sanctuary’s rich diversity of wetland birds, which attracts numerous migratory and local species.
On the social media platform X, PM Modi expressed his joy, stating, “A century of Ramsar sites. I am pleased that the Jay Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, has been declared India’s 100th Ramsar site. This wetland is rich in bird diversity and hosts many migratory and local birds.”
He emphasized that this milestone reflects India’s strong commitment to the protection of wetlands and the natural environment.
PM Modi remarked, “Our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our natural environment, especially wetlands, is clearly evident in this achievement. In recent years, efforts to conserve and rejuvenate wetlands have intensified through increased community participation, science, innovation, and awareness campaigns. These initiatives help preserve biodiversity, maintain ecological balance, and create a green future for generations to come.”
Earlier, on World Environment Day, PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to building a clean, green, and sustainable future, inspired by the principles of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ and the spirit of ‘Mission Life.’
Celebrated annually on June 5, World Environment Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about environmental challenges and inspire people to protect the Earth. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), it has become one of the largest global campaigns for environmental protection and public participation.
World Environment Day originated in 1972 during the ‘United Nations Conference on the Human Environment’ held in Stockholm, Sweden. This conference played a crucial role in bringing environmental issues to the forefront of global policymaking.
The UN officially declared June 5 as World Environment Day, with the first celebration occurring in 1973. This day serves as a vital means to draw attention to global challenges such as climate change, pollution, loss of biodiversity, and depletion of natural resources. It encourages individuals, communities, businesses, and governments to adopt sustainable lifestyles and contribute to environmental conservation.
Over time, World Environment Day has evolved into a global movement involving participation from over 150 countries. Activities such as tree planting campaigns, beach clean-ups, educational programs, and policy initiatives are organized worldwide. Each year, a host country is selected, focusing on a significant environmental issue through a specific theme.
While the role of governments and organizations in environmental protection is crucial, individual efforts are equally important. Simple actions like reducing waste, conserving water, using public transport, planting trees, and adopting sustainable lifestyles can collectively lead to significant positive change.
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