Surha Tal
Oxbow Lake in Uttar Pradesh, India
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Surha Tal, locally called Suraha Taal[a], officially recognised as Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary, is an oxbow lake located in Mairitar in Ballia District of Uttar Pradesh, India.[3] 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.[4] 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.[1][2]
| Surha Tal | |
|---|---|
  Surha Tal Location within Uttar Pradesh | |
| Location | Mairitar, Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Coordinates | 25°51′00″N 84°10′00″E |
| Type | Oxbow Lake |
| Garai River, Budhi River and Madha Nala | |
| Kathar Nala (to the river Ganges) | |
| Max. length | 4.7 km (2.9 mi) |
| Max. width | 3.9 km (2.4 mi) |
Surface area | 34.32 km2 (13.25 sq mi) |
Surface elevation | 190 ft (58 m) |
| Frozen | Never |
| Islands | None |
| Designated | 19 January 2026 |
| Reference no. | 2595[1][2] |
Geography
Surha Tal is situated in the Middle Ganga Plain and owes its origin to the meandering of the Ganges.[5] 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.[3] The flow in Kathar Nala can reverse during high floods in the Ganges and Sarayu rivers.[3]
The lake's extent varies seasonally, reaching its maximum extent during the months of August–September.[3] The wetland plays a key role in flood mitigation, groundwater recharge, and supporting agriculture in the surrounding region.[2] 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.[4][2]
Studies of the lake's water quality have indicated stable physico-chemical parameters suitable for aquatic biodiversity.[6]
Ramsar Site designation
On 19 January 2026, the Ramsar Convention recognized the lake as a Ramsar site.[1] 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.[2][7] With this, Uttar Pradesh has 13 Ramsar sites, the second-highest among Indian states after Tamil Nadu.[8] The Ramsar status recognises the wetland’s international importance for biodiversity, especially waterbirds, and commits India to maintaining its ecological character through wise use.[2]
Economics
The lake supports the livelihoods of fishing communities in surrounding villages.[3] Its primary ecosystem service is water storage and recharge of the local water table, enabling multi-season rice cultivation in the catchment.[3] 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.[8] 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.[3] No peer-reviewed scientific evidence supports an impact origin. The surrounding Middle Ganga Plain is characterised by alluvial deposits and abandoned river channels.[9]