Why is it in the news?

• Indore, Bhopal, and Udaipur have been nominated for the Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) scheme under the Ramsar Convention.

About Wetland City Accreditation Scheme

• Initiated in 2015 under Resolution XII.10 of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention (COP12).
• Administered by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
• Recognize and honour cities displaying exceptional efforts in protecting and managing their urban wetlands.
• Foster positive relationships between cities and their wetlands.
• Encourage conservation, wise use, and sustainable socio-economic benefits.
• A total of 43 cities worldwide are accredited as wetlands cities under the Ramsar Convention with 18 cities accredited in 2018, and 25 in 2022.
• Indore, Bhopal, and Udaipur are the first Indian cities nominated for the WCA scheme based on proposals from state wetlands authorities in collaboration with municipal corporations.

Wetlands in Nominated Cities

Indore – Sirpur Lake:

• An Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) declared by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) in 2017.
• Commonly known as Pakshi Vihar (bird sanctuary).
• Shallow, alkaline, nutrient-rich lake.

Bhopal – Bhoj Wetland:

• Bhopal, known as the ‘city of lakes,’ has the Bhoj Wetland declared as a ‘Ramsar Site’ in 2002.
• Comprises upper and lower lakes, with the Upper Lake being manmade and constructed in the 11th century.

Udaipur:

• Surrounded by five major wetlands – Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai.
• Integral to the city’s culture and identity, maintaining the city’s microclimate and acting as a buffer from extreme events.