India now has the largest network of Ramsar Sites in Asia, forming a vital ecological framework for global biodiversity conservation and human well-being.
New Delhi: Today is World Wetlands Day, observed every year on 2 February to raise awareness about the vital role wetlands play in sustaining biodiversity, regulating water cycles, and mitigating climate change. This day commemorates the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on wetlands in 1971, an international treaty dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
India, known for its rich biodiversity and natural resources, has always revered nature not just as a resource but as a symbol of spirituality and sensitivity. Among India’s unique natural treasures, wetlands hold a special place. Recognizing their significance, the Government of India, under the leadership of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has undertaken unprecedented efforts for their conservation and enhancement in the past decade, including initiatives like “Nature with Progress.”
Under PM Modi’s leadership, India has demonstrated its global commitment to environmental conservation by securing recognition for two cities—Udaipur in Rajasthan and Indore in Madhya Pradesh—as “Wetland Cities.” With this inclusion, India now proudly boasts two cities on the list of 31 Wetland Cities worldwide. This achievement highlights India’s dedication to balancing ecological preservation with holistic urban development and underscores PM Modi’s vision of integrating economic growth with environmental sustainability.
India’s wetland conservation efforts continue to make strides. With the recent addition of four new sites, India now has 89 Ramsar Sites of international importance. This marks a remarkable shift—between 1982 and 2013, only 26 sites were added to the Ramsar list, whereas 63 sites have been added between 2014 and January 2025 under the Modi government. This progress reflects the government’s commitment to preserving biodiversity while driving sustainable growth.
Wetlands are essential to the ecology. They purify water, maintain groundwater levels, control floods, and serve as habitats for birds, fish, plants, and other wildlife, safeguarding biodiversity. Wetlands also play a critical role in groundwater recharge, flood control, and carbon dioxide absorption, helping mitigate climate change. For communities, wetlands provide livelihoods through agriculture, fisheries, and tourism.
The government has made wetland conservation a priority, focusing on their rejuvenation, sustainable use, and ecological balance. India now has the largest network of Ramsar Sites in Asia, forming a vital ecological framework for global biodiversity conservation and human well-being. On World Wetlands Day, awareness campaigns were conducted in over 2,000 schools and colleges across the country, with a growing number of “Wetland Friends” joining the cause. These efforts aim to foster harmony between people, nature, and wildlife, strengthening the crucial human-nature connection for environmental conservation.
PM Modi has made environmental preservation a national priority, proving that economic development and ecological conservation can go hand in hand. Through initiatives like “Mission LiFE” and the “Amrit Dharohar Yojana,” India is not only safeguarding its biodiversity but also inspiring its citizens to actively contribute to environmental awareness and sustainability.
* The author is Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change & External Affairs.