New Delhi: India on Thursday submitted the nomination of three cities Indore, Bhopal, and Udaipur for Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
These are the first three Indian cities for which nominations have been submitted for WCA based on the proposals received from respective State Wetlands Authorities in collaboration with the Municipal Corporations.
The wetlands in and around these cities provide a plethora of benefits to its citizens regarding flood regulation, livelihood opportunities, and recreational and cultural values.
Sirpur Wetland (Ramsar site in Indore), Yashwant Sagar (Ramsar site closer to Indore), Bhoj Wetland (Ramsar Site in Bhopal), and several Wetlands (Lakes) in and around Udaipur are lifelines to these cities.
Sirpur Lake, a Ramsar Site in Indore, has been recognized as an important site for water bird congregation and is being developed as a Bird Sanctuary. It has a strong network of more than 200 wetland mitras and is engaged in bird conservation and sensitising the local community to protect Sarus Crane.
Bhoj Wetland, Ramsar Site in Bhopal is the city’s lifeline, equipped with the world-class wetlands interpretation center, Jal Tarang.
Additionally, the Bhopal Municipal Corporation has a dedicated Lake Conservation Cell. A network of more than 300 wetland mitras is engaged in wetland management and conservation of Sarus Crane.
Udaipur located in Rajasthan,is surrounded by five major wetlands, namely, Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai.
These wetlands are an integral part of the city’s culture and identity, help maintain the city’s microclimate, and provide a buffer from extreme events.
Lauded the decision, Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav said, “Delighted to announce the nomination of India’s first three cities – Indore, Bhopal, and Udaipur – submitted to @RamsarConv for its prestigious voluntary Wetland City Accreditation scheme.
Bhupender Yadav said the scheme aims to promote conservation and wise use of urban and peri-urban wetlands as well as sustainable socio-economic benefits for local populations”
In a social media post-X, Yadav said, “This will also provide an opportunity for cities that value their natural or human-made wetlands to gain international recognition and positive branding opportunities for their efforts in demonstrating strong positive relationships with wetlands. This is another example of PM Shri @narendramodi ji’s commitment to conservation through community participation, and prosperity through conservation”.
Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) recognizes the importance of wetlands in urban and peri-urban environments and takes appropriate measures to conserve and protect these wetlands, the Ramsar Convention during COP12 held in the year 2015,
It recognizes cities that have taken exceptional steps to safeguard their urban wetlands.
The Wetland City Accreditation scheme aims to promote further the conservation and wise use of urban and peri-urban wetlands, as well as sustainable socio-economic benefits for local populations.
