1st Two Indian Cities Indore and Udaipur Earns Global Recognition for ‘Wetland Conservation’

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently praised Indore and Udaipur for becoming the 1st two Indian cities to make it to the global list of 31 accredited wetland cities under Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
2. This honor shows India's ongoing commitment to sustainable urban development and the conservation of wetlands, balancing both urban growth and environmental preservation.
3. Indore and Udaipur were nominated by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change as part of India’s efforts to promote wetland conservation in urban areas.

What is Wetland City Accreditation (WCA)? Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) is a voluntary system that offers cities the chance to gain international recognition and positive publicity for their efforts in managing natural or human-made wetlands. It was approved at the 12th Conference of the Parties (COP12) of the Ramsar Convention in Uruguay in 2015. The accreditation is valid for 6 years, after which it must be renewed. What is wetland? Wetlands are areas of land that are saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally. Types of Wetlands: Includes marshes, swamps.

Importance of Wetlands in Indore and Udaipur:

1. Indore:

   1. Indore is known for its cleanliness and progressive urban policies.
   2. Sirpur Lake, a Ramsar site, is located in Indore. The lake supports a wide variety of water birds and plays a vital role in the city’s biodiversity.
   3. There are plans to develop Sirpur Lake into a bird sanctuary, further enhancing its role in conservation and ecotourism.

2. Udaipur:

   1. Udaipur is famed for its historic lakes, which also play a vital role in the region’s water management and climate resilience.
   2. Udaipur is home to 5 major wetlands: Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai.
   3. These wetlands are crucial not only for the city’s heritage but also for mitigating climate extremes, such as heat waves and droughts.

Benefits of Wetlands for Urban Areas:

1. Wetlands offer critical ecological services such as:
   1. Flood regulation: Wetlands absorb excess rainwater and runoff, reducing the risk of flooding in urban areas.
   2. Water purification: Wetlands filter out pollutants and improve the quality of water.
   3. Biodiversity support: Wetlands provide habitats for diverse flora and fauna, supporting migratory birds and other species.
2. Conservation of wetlands is essential for maintaining ecosystem balance, enhancing climate resilience, and providing a foundation for sustainable urban development.

India’s Ramsar Sites and Wetland Conservation:

About the Ramsar Convention: The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands globally. The treaty's main focus is to safeguard wetlands and ensure their wise use, providing ecological benefits such as flood control, water purification, and wildlife habitat preservation. Wetland City Accreditation under Ramsar recognizes cities that integrate wetland preservation into urban planning, making them models of sustainability and environmental stewardship. As of today, more than 170 countries are signatories, collectively designating over 2,400 Ramsar sites across the globe. India’s Ramsar Journey: India has been a signatory to the Ramsar Convention since 1982. Since then, the country has made significant strides in wetland conservation. India has designated 26 Ramsar sites between 1982 and 2013, with an additional 59 sites added between 2014 and 2025, showing the nation’s increasing focus on wetlands. As of December 2024, India has 85 Ramsar sites. Notable Ramsar Site Leaders: Tamil Nadu leads the country with the highest number of Ramsar sites, followed by Uttar Pradesh. Other states are also actively involved in expanding the network of Ramsar sites to preserve wetlands across India.

Why is Wetland Conservation Important for India?

1. Wetlands in India are crucial for water security, especially given the challenges posed by climate change and population growth.
2. They help regulate water cycles, recharge groundwater, and prevent soil erosion.
3. Wetland preservation can enhance climate resilience by buffering cities from extreme weather events like floods and droughts.
4. Wetlands play a key role in supporting biodiversity and improving urban livability through clean air, water, and ecosystem services.

 

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