Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary: Key Details
Location and Origin
- Location: Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary, Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh
- Area: 25 hectares
- Formation: Freshwater perennial wetland created in 1852
- Cause: Construction of the Upper Ganga Canal, which divides the lake into two parts
Ecological Significance
The wetland serves as a crucial wintering habitat for migratory birds and supports exceptional biodiversity:
- Over 166 water bird species documented
- Important Species: Painted stork and bar-headed goose
- Mammalian Fauna: Blackbuck (Schedule I species under Wildlife Protection Act) and Blue bull (Nilgai)
Flora and Vegetation
- Dominant Tree Species: Terminalia arjuna and Syzygium cumini
- Native Ecosystem Threats: Increasing invasion by alien species
Invasive Alien Species
- Lantana camara
- Parthenium hysterophorus
- Water Hyacinth
Anthropogenic Threats
- Siltation: Caused by unscientific mound construction in 1991
- Forest Cover Loss: Due to land distribution schemes
- Poaching Vulnerabilities: Facilitated by nearby road construction
- Water Chestnut Farming: Aggressive cultivation reducing foraging surface area for migratory birds
Environmental Degradation
- Eutrophication: Profuse and uncontrolled growth of water hyacinth causing severe eutrophication
- Impact: Deteriorating water body health and reducing habitats for waterfowl
Ramsar Site Status
- India's Total Ramsar Sites: 99 (now the highest in South Asia)
- Uttar Pradesh's Contribution: 12 Ramsar sites
Significance for India
This designation aligns with India's commitment to wetland conservation under the Ramsar Convention (1971). India now has the highest number of Ramsar sites in South Asia, reflecting the nation's focus on biodiversity protection and sustainable wetland management. The site requires immediate conservation interventions to address the growing threats from invasive species and anthropogenic pressures.