'Surha Taal', was created by the consolidation of the land area of 45 villages of Baansdih in Ballia town area, aggregating to a total of 3432.93 hectares area. Its name was changed to "Jai Prakash Narain Bird Sanctuary". Locals, still refer to this water body by its previous name -'Surha Taal. Starting at a distance of 10 kms away from Ballia City area, stretching up to Bhikampur village to its west, Singhauli in the north-east it is bound by Dulwara Village in the south-east direction.

The Jai Prakash Narain Bird Sanctuary falls under the jurisdiction of Ballia and Baansdih town area. Legends tied to the 'Surha Taal' highlight its historical, traditional and religious background. 45 villages abound in the vicinity of the Surha Taal and the Surha Taal is a source of livelihood to the population of these villages. Apart from fishing the population also engages in agro activities. During rainy seasons an area of approximately 25000 hectares gets submerged, providing a natural expansion of the natural habitat

The nearest airport from J.P. Narain Bird Sanctuary is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi which is about 169 kms from there, Buses/ Taxis can be hired from the airport for the destination.

The nearest railway station from J. P, Narain Bird Sanctuary is Kunda Junction(about 13 kms) and Prayagraj Junction (about 48 kms).

J.P. Narain Bird Sanctuary falls in Ballia District. It is well connected to all the major cities through UP SH 1 and UP SH 34, It has an excellent network of public/private bus and taxi services to and from there.