As a part of today’s current affairs, a significant move towards environmental conservation, the Ministry of Environment in India has submitted three nominations for wetland city accreditation. The cities in consideration are Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), and Udaipur (Rajasthan). This demonstrates a commendable commitment to recognizing and preserving wetland areas within urban environments, reflecting India’s dedication to environmental stewardship.
The Issue in News:
The nominations underscore a proactive approach to safeguarding wetlands, aligning with the broader global efforts for environmental conservation. India’s focus on wetland city accreditation signifies a commitment to sustainable development and responsible urban planning, acknowledging the crucial role wetlands play in maintaining ecological balance.
What is the Ramsar Convention?
The Ramsar Convention, established in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, is an international treaty aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. The treaty recognizes the importance of wetlands as ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity, water purification, and flood control. Ramsar-designated wetlands are areas of international importance and are afforded special protection under the convention.
What is a Wetland City?
A Wetland City is a designation that acknowledges urban areas actively prioritizing the protection and sustainable use of wetlands within their jurisdiction. Such cities are committed to incorporating wetland conservation into their urban planning and development strategies, recognizing the ecological significance of these areas.
Ramsar-Designated Wetlands:
Ramsar-designated wetlands are sites recognized under the Ramsar Convention as having international importance due to their unique ecosystems and the services they provide. The Amrit Dharohar program, promoted by India, focuses on the conservation of Ramsar wetland sites, actively contributing to their preservation and sustainable management.
List Of The Wetland Sites In India
Andhra Pradesh:
- Kolleru Lake
Assam:
- Deepor Beel
Bihar:
- Kanwar Lake
Goa:
- Nanda Lake
Gujarat:
- Khijadiya
- Nalsarovar
- Thol Lake
- Wadhvana Wetland
Haryana:
- Sultanpur National Park
- Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary
Himachal Pradesh:
- Chandra Taal
- Pong Dam Lake
- Renuka Lake
Jammu and Kashmir:
- Hokersar Wetland
- Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve
- Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve
- Surinsar-Mansar Lakes
- Wular Lake
Karnataka:
- Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Kerala:
- Ashtamudi Wetland
- Sasthamkotta Lake
- Vembanad-Kol Wetland
Ladakh:
- Tso Kar
- Tsomoriri Lake
Madhya Pradesh:
- Bhoj Wetland
- Sakhya Sagar
- Sirpur Lake
- Yashwant Sagar
Maharashtra:
- Lonar Lake
- Nandur Madhameshwar
- Thane Creek
Manipur:
- Loktak Lake
Mizoram:
- Pala Wetland
Odisha:
- Ansupa Lake
- Bhitarkanika Mangroves
- Chilika Lake
- Hirakud Reservoir
- Satkosia Gorge
- Tampara Lake
Punjab:
- Beas Conservation Reserve
- Harike Wetland
- Kanjli Wetland
- Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve
- Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary
- Ropar Wetland
Rajasthan:
- Keoladeo National Park
- Sambhar Lake
Tamil Nadu:
- Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary
- Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve
- Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary
- Karikili Bird Sanctuary
- Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary
- Pallikarnai Marsh Reserve Forest
- Pichavaram Mangrove
- Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary
- Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex
- Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary
- Vadavur Bird Sanctuary
- Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
- Vellode Bird Sanctuary
- Vembannur Wetland Complex
Tripura:
- Rudrasagar Lake
Uttar Pradesh:
- Bakhira Sanctuary
- Haiderpur Wetland
- Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary
- Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary
- Saman Bird Sanctuary
- Samaspur Bird Sanctuary
- Sandi Bird Sanctuary
- Sarsai Nawar Jheel
- Sur Sarovar
- Upper Ganga River
Uttarakhand:
- Asan Barrage
West Bengal:
- East Kolkata Wetlands
- Sundarban Wetland
Why is it Important to Preserve Wetlands?
Preserving wetlands is crucial for several reasons. Wetlands act as natural buffers against floods, help purify water, and provide habitat for a diverse range of plant and animal species. They play a key role in maintaining biodiversity, supporting migratory birds, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Additionally, wetlands contribute to sustainable agriculture, water resource management, and overall environmental balance.
In summary, India’s nomination of cities for wetland accreditation and the promotion of the Amrit Dharohar program signal a commendable step toward preserving these vital ecosystems, aligning with the global commitment to environmental sustainability.
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