January 28, 2025

Introduction:

India has recently celebrated achievement with Indore and Udaipur becoming the first cities from the country to be accredited as Wetland Cities under the Ramsar Convention. This recognition marks the importance of wetlands in urban areas and the need for their conservation. The announcement came just before World Wetlands Day, showcasing India’s commitment to sustainable urban development.

Ramsar Convention Overview

• The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty established in 1971 to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
• It currently includes 172 member countries.
• The treaty aims to ensure that wetlands provide ecological, economic, and social benefits to local communities.

Wetland City Accreditation

• Wetland City Accreditation is an initiative that recognises cities for their commitment to preserving and wisely using wetlands.
• Cities must meet six international criteria to qualify.
• These include effective conservation measures and the promotion of ecosystem services.
• The recent accreditation round added 31 cities globally, bringing the total to 74.

Challenges Faced by Bhopal

• Bhopal, which was also nominated for accreditation, did not receive the status due to concerns raised by citizen groups.
• Issues related to proposed infrastructure projects threatening local wetlands were brought into light.
• This situation puts stress on the need for community involvement in environmental decision-making.

Benefits of Wetlands

Wetlands play important role in urban ecosystems. They provide flood regulation, support biodiversity, and offer recreational opportunities. In Indore, Sirpur Lake is being developed as a bird sanctuary, while Udaipur’s wetlands contribute to the city’s cultural identity and microclimate regulation.

The Surajpur wetland, located in Greater Noida, is facing environmental threats. The primary concern is the discharge of polluted wastewater into its channels. The Greater Noida Authority has initiated a project aimed at protecting and conserving this vital ecosystem. The wetland is crucial for biodiversity, serving as a habitat for numerous migratory birds during winter. The authority is collaborating with research institutes, NGOs, and environmental experts to address these challenges.

Location and Significance

• Surajpur wetland spans 325 hectares, including a natural lake.
• It is situated near Surajpur Village in the Gautam Budh Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh.
• The wetland lies approximately 20 km from Noida and is part of the Western Wildlife Circuit.
• The geographical coordinates are 28°31.425’N latitude and 77°29.714’E longitude, with an elevation of 184.7 metres above sea level.
• Its proximity to major roads and cities makes it an accessible natural site.

Biodiversity and Habitat

The wetland is important breeding ground for various waterfowl species. Notable species include the Spot-billed Duck, Lesser-whistling Duck, and Red-crested Pochard. The area also supports wintering waterfowl, such as the Bar-headed Goose and Common Teal. The diverse flora includes tropical moist and dry deciduous vegetation. The wetland’s ecological health is vital for sustaining these bird populations.

Water Sources and Terrain

Surajpur wetland is primarily rain-fed. Additional water sources include the Hawalia drain connected to the Hindan River and the Tilapta minor irrigation canal. The terrain is predominantly flat, with a mix of terrestrial and wetland areas. The soil in the lake is classified as lacustrine, which supports the unique vegetation found in the region.

Conservation Initiatives

Since 2010, the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, in partnership with WWF-India and the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority, has undertaken conservation projects. These initiatives aim to restore the wetland’s ecological balance and enhance its status as a bird sanctuary. Collaborative efforts are focused on planning and development to ensure long-term sustainability.

Cultural Heritage

Surajpur wetland is steeped in cultural significance. It is linked to various historical narratives, including those from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The area has connections to local communities, such as the Gurjjar and Bhati Rajputs. These cultural ties enrich the wetland’s importance beyond its ecological value, denoting the need for preservation.