Migratory birds return to UP’s 10 Ramsar sites, boost eco-tourism

With the onset of winter, all 10 Ramsar( wetland) sites in Uttar Pradesh have once again come alive with the arrival of migratory birds. These rare species, travelling thousands of kilometres, have found a haven in the state’s wetlands, transforming these naturally scenic locations into major attractions for tourists and bird watchers.

UP Tourism and Culture Minister Jayveer Singh said here on Monday that the Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board is continuously working towards the conservation of wetlands and the improvement of tourist facilities. The aim is to provide a better experience for nature lovers and bird watchers while also promoting environmental awareness.

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He said that two major projects — Sur Sarovar in Agra and Haiderpur Wetland in Muzaffarnagar — have already been developed successfully. At the Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, facilities such as parking, pathways, watch towers, souvenir shops, signages and toilets have been developed at a cost of Rs 167.85 lakh, making bird-watching more convenient for visitors.

Similarly, the Haiderpur Wetland has been upgraded for Rs 165.71 lakh with the development of an entrance gate, nature trail, nature camp, watch tower, reception centre, canteen, traditional huts and modern seating arrangements. This has made it an even more attractive eco-tourism destination.

At the Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary in Unnao, the construction of a modern AR-VR dome is underway for Rs 280.44 lakh. Through immersive technology, visitors will be able to experience the biodiversity of wetlands and the world of migratory birds interactively.

The minister also said that Uttar Pradesh has a total of 10 Ramsar sites — Nawabganj, Parvati Arga, Saman, Samaspur, Sandi, Sarsai Nawar Lake, Sur Sarovar, Upper Ganga River, Bakhira and Haiderpur Wetland. These sites are not only habitats for rare birds but also hold global importance for conservation.

He added that Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar sites in the country, while Uttar Pradesh ranks second. The state government said that wetlands play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, maintaining ecological balance and protecting rare species.