Surha Tal

Surha Tal, locally called Suraha Taal, officially recognised as Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary, is an oxbow lake located in Mairitar in Ballia District of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is an oval-shaped wetland with a maximum reported area of 34.32 km2 (13.25 sq mi) and lies about 17 km (11 mi) north of Ballia, near the left bank of the Ganga River. On 19 January 2026, it was designated as a Ramsar site by the Ramsar Convention, making it India's 100th Ramsar site after official announcement on 5 June 2026. Geography Surha Tal is situated in the Middle Ganga Plain and owes its origin to the meandering of the Ganges. It is an oxbow lake fed by three seasonal channels–Garai River, Budhi River and Madha Nala, and drains into the Ganga through Kathar Nala, a 23-km outlet. The flow in Kathar Nala can reverse during high floods in the Ganges and Sarayu rivers. The lake's extent varies seasonally, reaching its maximum extent during the months of August–September. The wetland plays a key role in flood mitigation, groundwater recharge, and supporting agriculture in the surrounding region. It was declared a bird sanctuary by the Government of Uttar Pradesh in 1991 and is recognised for its rich avifaunal diversity, hosting both resident and migratory birds. Studies of the lake's water quality have indicated stable physico-chemical parameters suitable for aquatic biodiversity. Ramsar Site designation On 19 January 2026, the Ramsar Convention recognized the lake as a Ramsar site. This made the lake India's 100th Ramsar site after official announcement by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on 5 June 2026, coinciding with World Environment Day. With this, Uttar Pradesh has 13 Ramsar sites, the second-highest among Indian states after Tamil Nadu. The Ramsar status recognises the wetland’s international importance for biodiversity, especially waterbirds, and commits India to maintaining its ecological character through wise use. Economics The lake supports the livelihoods of fishing communities in surrounding villages. Its primary ecosystem service is water storage and recharge of the local water table, enabling multi-season rice cultivation in the catchment. Following the Ramsar designation, the state government has identified eco-tourism development to generate employment for local communities as guides, boat operators and homestay hosts. The sanctuary attracts birdwatchers and tourists during the winter migratory season. Possibility of Impact Crater Local folklore refers to "Surha" as meaning "big mouth" and speculates that the lake's near-circular shape indicates an impact crater. However, geological studies identify the lake as a natural oxbow lake formed by meander cut-off of the Ganges. No peer-reviewed scientific evidence supports an impact origin. The surrounding Middle Ganga Plain is characterised by alluvial deposits and abandoned river channels. See also List of Ramsar sites in India Ramsar Convention List of wildlife sanctuaries in India Oxbow Lake Indo-Gangetic Plain Notes References Geography Geographically Surha is located in Middle Ganga Plains along the margins of Ganges. It owes its origin to the meandering of Ganges and now a narrow outlet of about 23 km named Kathar Nala connects it with the river and is the main outflow channel. The area of the lake is subject to seasonal variation and the lake expands to its maximum during monsoon rains in the month of August–September every year. The lake discharges its waters into Ganga river through Kathar Nala. Some times the flow of kathar Nala gets reversed during the high floods in Ganges and Sarayu rivers. Surha Tal has been historically famous for the variety of migratory and native birds. It was declared a Bird Sanctuary in 1991. Traditionally the ecosystem of Surha Tal has been well adopted to cultivation of Rice and fishing but the basic problem of the area is overpopulation which exerts tremendous pressure on the catchment of the lake as well as lake itself. Some exotic species have also been reported to encroach the small lakes in the basin. Studies have shown stable characteristics of water quality. Possibility of Impact Crater Believe that pond name "surha-taal" [ surha = big mouth, taal= pond] in ballia district, of uttar Pradesh india , is a crater. since it is 8 km x6km across, deep, round shape. impact may be at an angle thats why 50% is a perfect circle. No one knows how this pond was made, people say its natural. however most of that area/region of this part of india is very flat. Such a big deep lake suddenly not possible naturally. Economics Surha Tal has been important fishing area and livelihood of many fishermen around the lake solely depends on the lake. The most important role of the Surha Tal however is the storage of water and recharge of local water table around the year, therefore facilitating the cultivation of Rice all around the year, which is generally not possible at other places in Eastern U.P. The Tal being visited by a large variety and Species of migratory Birds it is also a local Tourist attraction in the area. References