First Indian Wetland Cities: Indore and Udaipur on Global Stage

Why in the NEWS?

• Indore and Udaipur became the first Indian wetland cities to receive international recognition under the Ramsar Convention.
• Bhopal was also nominated, it could not join due to ecological concerns.

Key Points:

• Indore (Madhya Pradesh) and Udaipur (Rajasthan) were given this recognition for the effective steps taken by them to conserve their natural and man-made wetlands.
• Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav termed it a "double pleasure" and said that this achievement reflects India's commitment to ecological conservation along with urban and rural development.
• Bhopal, which was nominated along with Indore and Udaipur, could not make it to the list.
• The proposed road project in the catchment area of ​​​​Bhoj Wetland, which could have posed a threat to its ecosystem and wildlife.

What will you read next in this topic?

1. Importance of Wetlands of Indore and Udaipur.
2. Importance of Wetlands in India.
3. Historical Background of Ramsar Convention.
4. Urbanisation and threats to wetlands.
5. India's role in Ramsar sites.
6. Importance of international recognition.
7. Involvement of local communities.
8. Role of wetlands in mitigating climate change.

Importance of Wetlands of Indore and Udaipur

• Indore: 
  • The city has many lakes and water bodies, prominent among them being Sirpur Lake and Yashwant Sagar. 
  • These are not only important for biodiversity but also play a vital role in maintaining local water supply and environmental balance.
• Udaipur: 
  • Called the 'City of Lakes', it includes famous wetlands like Fatehsagar, Pichola and Udaisagar Lake. 
  • These lakes are not only important from an environmental point of view but are also a major source of tourism and economic development.

Importance of Wetlands in India

• About 7.7 million hectares of area in India is covered with wetlands, which contribute to climate balance, groundwater recharge and carbon absorption.
• These areas are important habitats for migratory birds and maintain biodiversity.

Historical Background of Ramsar Convention

• The Ramsar Convention was established in 1971 in the city of Ramsar, Iran.
• It aims to promote the sustainable use and conservation of wetlands.
• Currently, 172 countries are members, and more than 2,500 wetlands are recognised as Ramsar sites globally.

Urbanisation and threats to wetlands

• Many wetlands in India are facing the threat of pollution, encroachment and climate change due to rapid urbanisation and industrialisation.
• Plastic pollution, waste disposal and use of chemicals in lakes and water bodies are disrupting their ecological balance.

India's role in Ramsar sites

• India has designated 85 wetlands as Ramsar sites.
• These include major wetlands such as Chilika Lake (Odisha), Wular Lake (Jammu and Kashmir), and Deepor Beel in Assam.
• This initiative reflects India's commitment to the conservation of biodiversity and water resources.

Importance of international recognition

• The recognition of Indore and Udaipur recognises India's ecological conservation efforts on a global platform. 
• This will set an example for other Indian cities, which will be inspired to conserve their water bodies and wetlands.

Involvement of local communities

• Involvement of local communities is being encouraged in the conservation of wetlands.
• Awareness campaigns, cleanliness programmes and promotion of wetland-based livelihoods can ensure that wetlands provide not only environmental but also socio-economic benefits.

Role of wetlands in mitigating climate change

• Wetlands act as natural carbon sinks and help absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide.
• They are helpful in preventing floods, reducing soil erosion and mitigating the effects of climate change.