Indore and Udaipur Make History with Ramsar Wetland Accreditation

Indore and Udaipur have achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first two cities from India to be included in the global list of accredited Wetland Cities under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. This recognition highlights India’s growing commitment to sustainable urban development and ecological conservation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated both cities, emphasizing the importance of balancing urban growth with environmental sustainability. The accreditation underscores the value of wetlands in providing ecological, social, and economic benefits, which are crucial for the sustainable development of cities.

Key Highlights

Recognition of Indore and Udaipur

• Indore and Udaipur are the first Indian cities to receive accreditation under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
• The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) nominated both cities for this recognition.

Wetlands in Indore and Udaipur

• Indore: Sirpur Lake, a Ramsar site, is significant for its role as a waterbird congregation area and is being developed as a bird sanctuary.
• Udaipur: The city is surrounded by five major wetlands, including Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai, all of which contribute to the city’s culture, identity, and microclimate regulation.

Significance of Wetlands

• Wetlands provide benefits such as flood regulation, livelihood opportunities, and recreational value.
• They play a vital role in ecological conservation and help mitigate the impact of extreme climate events.

Prime Minister’s Message

• PM Modi commended the cities for their achievement and urged further efforts to create greener, more eco-friendly urban spaces.
• This recognition aligns with India’s broader vision of integrating ecology with economic growth through sustainable development.

Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav’s Statement

• Minister Yadav noted that the achievement reflects the vision of “advancing economy and ecology in harmony.”
• He called on citizens to contribute to making India a “Green Bharat” as part of the vision for a developed, eco-friendly nation.

About Wetland City Accreditation

• The Ramsar Convention introduced the voluntary Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) system at COP12 in 2015 under Resolution XII.10.
• The accreditation recognizes cities that have taken significant steps to protect their urban wetlands.
• The scheme emphasizes the role of wetlands in urban and peri-urban environments, encouraging conservation and protection efforts.
• Cities that meet international criteria and show dedication to safeguarding wetlands are formally accredited. Since Ramsar COP13, 43 cities from 17 countries have received the "Wetland City" recognition.