Wetland City Accreditation

WETLAND CITY ACCREDITATION

Overview:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently praised Indore and Udaipur for becoming the first two Indian cities to be included in the global list of wetland cities under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
• This recognition, awarded to 31 cities worldwide, highlights India’s growing focus on wetland conservation alongside urban development.

WHAT IS WETLAND CITY ACCREDITATION?

• Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) is a program that recognizes cities for their efforts in managing and protecting wetlands.
• The program was introduced in 2015 during the 12th Conference of the Ramsar Convention in Uruguay.
• Cities that receive this recognition show a commitment to sustainable development and are seen as examples for others to follow.
• This recognition lasts for 6 years, after which cities must apply for renewal.

WHAT IS WETLAND?

• Wetlands are areas where water is found either permanently or seasonally. These areas are home to many plants and animals.
• Types of Wetlands include marshes, swamps, and bogs.
• Wetlands are important because they help with water purification, flood control, and biodiversity.

WETLANDS IN INDORE & UDAIPUR

Indore:

• Sirpur Lake:
  • Located in Indore, Sirpur Lake is a Ramsar site, meaning it has international importance.
  • It supports a variety of water birds and plays a key role in the city’s biodiversity.
  • There are plans to develop Sirpur Lake into a bird sanctuary, which will make it an even more important spot for conservation and tourism.

Udaipur:

• Udaipur is famous for its beautiful lakes, including Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai.
• These lakes are not only important for the city’s heritage but also help in managing water resources and protecting the city from extreme weather events like droughts and heatwaves.
• The wetlands in Udaipur support local wildlife and are crucial for maintaining climate resilience.

BENEFITS OF WETLAND CITIES

• Flood Control: Wetlands absorb excess water during rains, helping to reduce the risk of flooding in cities.
• Water Purification: Wetlands filter out harmful substances from water, improving its quality.
• Biodiversity Support: Wetlands provide habitats for many species, including migratory birds and other wildlife.

INDIA’S WETLAND CONSERVATION & RAMSAR SITES

Ramsar Convention:

• The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, aimed at protecting wetlands around the world.
• It helps countries to conserve wetlands, which are valuable for their role in flood control, water purification, and providing wildlife habitats.
• India became a signatory in 1982 and has since been working to increase the number of Ramsar sites in the country.

India’s Ramsar Sites:

• As of January 2025, India has 85 Ramsar sites.
• India has been steadily adding Ramsar sites, with 26 sites between 1982-2013 and 59 new sites between 2014-2025.
• Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar sites, followed by Uttar Pradesh.

WHY WETLAND CONSERVATION IS IMPORTANT?

• Water Security: Wetlands are essential for managing water resources in India. They help recharge groundwater and reduce soil erosion.
• Climate Resilience: Wetlands act as natural buffers against extreme weather events like floods and droughts, helping cities become more resilient to climate change.
• Biodiversity: Wetlands support many species of plants, animals, and birds, contributing to biodiversity and ecological balance.
• Urban Livability: Wetland conservation improves the quality of life in cities by providing clean air and water, and supporting local wildlife.

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