February 18, 2026 12:20 am (IST)
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Javadekar emphasises on spread of awareness on World Wetlands Day
New Delhi, Feb 1 (IBNS): In his message for World Wetlands Day, which is observed on Feb 2, Prakash Javadekar, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said it is the day to promote, create awareness and ensure positive and affirmative action for conservation of wetlands.
The day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on Feb 2, 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea.
For 2016, the theme is 'Wetlands for our Future – Sustainable Livelihoods'.
In his message, Javadekar reminded that water is life, and wetlands are the life support systems that ensure functioning of the water cycle.
Wetlands help recharge groundwater aquifers, cleanse polluted waters, protect shorelines and act as sponges to mitigate floods. The extensive food chain and biological diversity in wetlands make them ‘biological supermarkets’.
He added that wetlands are valuable as sources, sink and transformers of a multitude of biological, chemical and genetic material. Wetlands have special attributes as cultural heritage of humanity, and have deep connections with India's beliefs and practices.
Talking of his department's activities, he said his ministry will continue to accord high priority to conservation and wise use of wetlands in the country. The National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) provides the policy framework and support to state governments for integrated management of wetlands.
He said, "The Ministry has also initiated the process of revising the existing regulatory framework on wetlands to enable a greater role and ownership by state governments in management of wetlands, particularly as water and land are state subjects. The State Wetland Authorities are envisaged to be entrusted the role of management and regulation of wetlands within their jurisdiction."
Javadekar said, "In a strategic step towards increasing the capacity of wetland managers in integrated and holistic management, upgrading the existing Wetland Research and Training Centre of Chilika Development Authority at Barkul, Odisha into the National Capacity Development Centre for Wetlands is also being envisaged. This year the World Wetlands Day is being celebrated by the Ministry, in collaboration with the Government of West Bengal at Sunderbans, one of the largest single block of estuarine mangrove forests in the world, which provides habitat to numerous plant and animal species, including the Royal Bengal Tiger."
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