Indore and Udaipur Joined Wetland Accredited Cities | 28 Jan 2025

Source: TOI 

Why in News? 

Indore and Udaipur have become the first Indian cities to gain international recognition as accredited wetland cities under the Ramsar Convention.  

  • Currently, 85 Indian wetlands are protected under the Ramsar Convention, which includes 172 member countries globally. 

What are Wetland Accredited Cities? 

  • About: It is an international recognition for cities committed to conserving and sustainably managing their wetlands. 
    • It recognises urban areas that protect wetlands, ensuring they provide essential services to the environment and communities. 
  • Accreditation Criteria: It is granted to cities that meet six international criteria, primarily focusing on the conservation of wetland ecosystems and their services. 
    • Accredited cities are recognised for their efforts to balance urban development with ecological preservation. 
    • 6 International Criteria are: 

 6_International_Criteria

  • Global Recognition: The highest number of accredited cities come from China (22 cities), followed by France (9 cities) reflecting the city's effort to integrate wetland conservation into urban planning. 
  • Global Ramsar Sites: There are currently over 2,400 Ramsar Sites around the world  covering over 2.5 million square kilometres. 

 Note: Bhopal, another city nominated from India, did not receive accreditation due to concerns raised about potential ecological damage from a proposed road project affecting the Bhoj Wetland. 

  • Udaipur, Rajasthan is known as the City of Lakes because of its scenic lakes that are spread throughout the city. Key lakes in Udaipur include Lake Pichola, Fatehsagar Lake, Swaroop Sagar Lake etc. 
  • Famous lakes in Indore include Lotus lake, Choral dam, Pipliyapala lake, Sirpur lake etc. 

What are Key Facts About Bhoj Wetland? 

  • About: It is a Ramsar site designated in 2002 that comprises two interconnected man-made reservoirs i.e., the Upper Lake (created by Raja Bhoj in the 11th century on Kolans River) and the Lower Lake. 
  • Biodiversity:  
    • Avifauna (Birdlife): Notable species include Coot (Fulica atra), Red-Crested Pochard, Sarus Crane, Black-necked Stork and Pallas’s Fish Eagle. 
    • Other Fauna: Van Vihar National Park provides a sanctuary for large mammals like Chital, Wild Boar, Nilgai, and Sambar. 

 Ramsar_Convention

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims 

Q. If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply?(2014)

(a) Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference  

(b) The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within five kilometres from the edge of the wetland  

(c) The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities living in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed  

(d) It is given the status of ‘World Heritage Site’ 

Ans: (a)