India’s First Wetland City – Indore and Udaipur
Indore Wetland City Indore City, the pride of Madhya Pradesh, is not just known for its stellar achievement as India’s cleanest city for seven consecutive years under the Swachh Survekshan rankings but has now also earned the prestigious title of a Wetland City. With its remarkable dedication to urban sustainability and ecological preservation, Indore has become a role model for other cities. India has added another feather to its cap with Indore and Udaipur being declared the country’s first wetland cities. These cities have joined the global list of 31 cities accredited under the Ramsar Convention’s Wetland City Accreditation (WCA). This recognition highlights their efforts in conserving urban and peri-urban wetlands, ensuring environmental sustainability, and promoting biodiversity. Why Were Indore and Udaipur Selected? Indore and Udaipur were selected based on their proactive efforts in conserving wetlands and fulfilling criteria set under the Ramsar Convention. Indore: Known for its cleanliness and sustainable urban development, Indore has conserved vital wetlands such as Sirpur Lake and Yashwant Sagar, which are rich in biodiversity and serve as key ecological assets for the city. Udaipur: The “City of Lakes” is home to several significant wetlands, including Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, Rang Sagar, and Swaroop Sagar, which are integral to the city’s tourism, ecology, and water management systems. What is the Meaning of a Wetland City? A “wetland city” refers to an urban area that prioritizes the conservation and wise use of its wetlands, ensuring sustainable socio-economic benefits for its local population while maintaining ecological balance. About Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) The Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) system was established under the Ramsar Convention in 2015 at the 12th Conference of Parties (COP12) in Uruguay. This voluntary accreditation is awarded to cities demonstrating a commitment to conserving their wetlands, protecting biodiversity, and promoting their sustainable use. Key Features of WCA Validity: The accreditation is valid for six years and must be renewed if cities continue to meet the required criteria. Criteria: Cities are evaluated based on six parameters, including wetland conservation, sustainable management, biodiversity preservation, community involvement, cultural significance, and sustainable urban planning. Bhupender Yadav – Union Cabinet Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change Double joy! I am thrilled to share that in a first for India, Indore in Madhya Pradesh and Udaipur in Rajasthan have joined the list of 31 Wetland Accredited Cities in the world – a testimony to PM Shri @narendramodi ji’s vision of marching ahead aligning economy and ecology.… pic.twitter.com/No8GsBLWMx — Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) January 24, 2025 Modi Ji Prime Minister of India – Congratulation Indore and Udaipur Congratulations to Indore and Udaipur! This recognition reflects our strong commitment to sustainable development and nurturing harmony between nature and urban growth. May this feat inspire everyone to keep working towards creating greener, cleaner and more eco-friendly urban… https://t.co/yaDGG4Dtea — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2025 UNESCO’s Ramsar Convention on Wetlands The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty adopted in 1971 to provide a framework for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and their resources. Ramsar Sites in India Currently, India has 85 Ramsar sites, with notable ones being Sirpur Lake in Indore and Bhoj Wetland in Bhopal. These sites hold ecological importance, aiding in flood regulation, water purification, and supporting diverse flora and fauna. 6 Criteria for WCA Enlistment Conservation and wise use of urban wetlands. Promotion of sustainable socio-economic benefits for local communities. Protection of wetland biodiversity. Implementation of effective urban planning. Community involvement in wetland management. Recognition of cultural and educational value of wetlands. Significance of Wetland City Accreditation Biodiversity Conservation: Wetlands are hotspots for biodiversity, supporting a variety of plants, birds, and aquatic life. Tourism Growth: Accreditation boosts eco-tourism by attracting nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and researchers. Environmental Benefits: Wetlands help in flood control, carbon sequestration, and water purification. International Recognition: Cities with WCA gain global visibility, aiding in securing grants and support for future environmental projects. Community Empowerment: Encourages local participation in environmental conservation. Conservation Efforts in Indore Sirpur Lake: A Ramsar site, Sirpur Lake spans 800 acres and is a sanctuary for over 200 bird species, including migratory birds. Efforts like habitat restoration, water quality improvement, and biodiversity monitoring have been undertaken. Yashwant Sagar: Recognized for its biodiversity, this wetland has been preserved through strict measures like encroachment removal and sustainable management practices Conclusion The recognition of Indore and Udaipur as India’s first wetland cities underlines their commitment to environmental sustainability and urban ecological conservation. This achievement not only serves as a milestone for the two cities but also sets an example for others to prioritize the preservation of natural resources. By maintaining a balance between urban development and ecological protection, Indore and Udaipur pave the way for a sustainable future. Indore and Udaipur’s success stories are a testament to the importance of wetlands in urban planning and should inspire other cities to adopt similar practices for a greener tomorrow. Reference Link Source of Information – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2096165 https://www.naidunia.com/madhya-pradesh/indore-indore-becomes-wetland-city-after-meeting-four-key-criteria-8378169 Source of Information – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2096165 https://www.naidunia.com/madhya-pradesh/indore-indore-becomes-wetland-city-after-meeting-four-key-criteria-8378169
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