Historic Milestone: Two Indian Cities Join the Global Wetland Accredited Cities List
Historic Milestone: Two Indian Cities Join the Global Wetland Accredited Cities List ( Image posted on x by @byadavbjp)
Indore and Udaipur have made history by becoming the first two Indian cities to earn a place on the prestigious global list of Wetland Accredited Cities under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. This recognition places them among 31 cities worldwide celebrated for their efforts in wetland conservation and sustainable urban development.
Prime Minister Lauds the Achievement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated both cities on social media, emphasizing their commitment to sustainable development. “This recognition reflects our strong commitment to sustainable development and nurturing harmony between nature and urban growth,” he posted. He further encouraged citizens to continue creating greener, cleaner, and more eco-friendly urban spaces.
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav also hailed the milestone as a “double joy,” attributing the success to PM Modi’s vision of aligning ecological conservation with economic growth. “This achievement underscores India’s emphasis on holistic urban development without compromising on ecological balance,” he stated, urging citizens to pledge toward making a “Viksit Bharat a Green Bharat.”
Indian Nominations for Wetland City Accreditation
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) nominated three cities—Indore and Bhopal from Madhya Pradesh and Udaipur from Rajasthan—for Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) under the Ramsar Convention. Out of these, Indore and Udaipur successfully joined the elite list.
According to an official release, wetlands in and around these cities provide critical benefits, including flood regulation, livelihood opportunities, recreational spaces, and cultural significance.
Why Indore and Udaipur Earned the Recognition
- Indore’s Sirpur Lake:
Designated as a Ramsar Site, Sirpur Lake has gained recognition for being a waterbird congregation hub. It is currently being developed as a bird sanctuary, adding to the city’s ecological value. - Udaipur’s Network of Wetlands:
Known as the “City of Lakes,” Udaipur is home to five major wetlands—Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai. These wetlands are integral to the city’s culture, identity, and microclimate regulation. They also act as natural buffers against extreme weather events.
A Step Towards Sustainable Urban Development
This accreditation marks a significant step forward for India in balancing urban development with environmental conservation. It underscores the importance of wetlands in fostering ecological resilience and enhancing the quality of life in cities.
As India strives for sustainable growth, the global recognition of Indore and Udaipur serves as an inspiration for other urban centers to prioritize ecological preservation alongside development.
