Udaipur, Rajasthan becomes The First Wetland City of India

Udaipur, the "City of Lakes" in Rajasthan, has become India's first wetland city. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, announced the designation on October 13, 2023.

^{Pichola Lake, Udaipur}

Udaipur is surrounded by five major lakes: Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, Rang Sagar, and Doodh Talai. These lakes provide a variety of ecological benefits, including flood control, water filtration, and habitat for a variety of plants and animals.

The city has also taken a number of steps to protect and conserve its wetlands, including developing a wetland management plan and establishing a Wetland Authority. In addition, Udaipur has been working to reduce pollution in its lakes and to promote sustainable tourism practices.

The designation of Udaipur as a wetland city is a significant achievement for India. It is a testament to the city's commitment to protecting its wetlands and to promoting sustainable development.

^{Fateh Sagar Lake}

What is a Wetland City?

A wetland city is a city that recognizes the importance of wetlands and commits to protecting and managing them sustainably. Wetlands are important ecosystems that provide a wide range of benefits, including water purification, flood control, and habitat for wildlife.

The Wetland City Accreditation scheme was launched in 2015 by the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

Benefits of Wetland Cities

Wetland cities offer a number of benefits to their residents and visitors, including:

• Improved water quality: Wetlands help to filter water and remove pollutants, which can improve the quality of drinking water and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.

• Flood control: Wetlands can act as natural sponges, absorbing excess water during floods and releasing it slowly over time. This can help to reduce the risk of flooding and protect communities from damage.

• Habitat for wildlife: Wetlands provide habitat for a variety of plants and animals, including many endangered species.

• Climate change mitigation: Wetlands can help to mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

• Recreational opportunities: Wetlands can provide a variety of recreational opportunities, such as fishing, boating, and birdwatching.

Overall, the designation of Udaipur as a wetland city is a positive development for both the city and for India as a whole. It is a recognition of the importance of wetlands and a commitment to protecting and managing them sustainably.