Two Indian Cities Become India’s First to Join Ramsar Wetland Accredited Cities List
Two Indian cities have made history by becoming the first Indian cities to earn the prestigious Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The recognition places them among an elite list of 31 Wetland Accredited Cities globally, marking a significant milestone in India’s commitment to sustainable urban development.
These two cities that have made it to the coveted list are Indore and Udaipur.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the cities on social media, highlighting the achievement as a testament to India’s dedication to nurturing harmony between nature and urban growth. “May this feat inspire everyone to create greener, cleaner, and more eco-friendly urban spaces across our nation,” he said.
Congratulations to Indore and Udaipur! This recognition reflects our strong commitment to sustainable development and nurturing harmony between nature and urban growth. May this feat inspire everyone to keep working towards creating greener, cleaner and more eco-friendly urban… https://t.co/yaDGG4Dtea
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2025
Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav also shared his thoughts, calling it a “double joy” and attributing the success to PM Modi’s vision of aligning economic growth with ecological conservation. He urged citizens to work towards making “Viksit Bharat a Green Bharat.”
The Journey to Wetland Accreditation
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) submitted nominations for Indore, Bhopal, and Udaipur for the Wetland City Accreditation. This marked the first time India had participated in the accreditation process.
The Ramsar accreditation recognizes urban areas that prioritize wetland conservation while fostering urban growth. Wetlands are crucial for flood regulation, supporting livelihoods, and providing recreational and cultural benefits.
Spotlight on Indore and Udaipur’s Wetlands
Indore’s Sirpur Lake, a Ramsar Site, is known for its thriving water bird population and is being developed as a bird sanctuary. The lake reflects the city’s proactive approach to integrating wetland conservation into its urban framework.
Udaipur, famously known as the City of Lakes, boasts five prominent wetlands: Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai. These wetlands play a pivotal role in maintaining the city’s microclimate and protecting it from extreme weather events. Additionally, they are deeply ingrained in the cultural and historical identity of the city.
A Model for Sustainable Urban Development
The Wetland City Accreditation serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of ecological conservation amidst rapid urbanization. Both cities stand as shining examples of how local governments can balance development with environmental stewardship.
As India continues its journey toward sustainable development, the recognition of Indore and Udaipur as Wetland Accredited Cities is an encouraging step forward, inspiring other cities to adopt similar eco-conscious initiatives.
