From Definition to Conservation: A Study on Urban Wetlands
/This Nagrikal series examines Urban Wetlands in India. We start from the basics, i.e., defining what wetlands are,' to their significance and decline in the Indian urban landscape.
The report is broadly categorised into four chapters. The first chapter delves into the definition of 'wetlands,' both as per the international Ramsar Convention to which India is a signatory as well as the definition according to the current Indian legislation governing urban wetlands. As the report extensively addresses various aspects of wetlands, this chapter essentially establishes the parameters for understanding the term within the specific context of the report i.e., wetlands in India’s urban areas. This chapter also discusses some of the key statistics related to wetlands in India - both in terms of distribution and area.
In the second chapter, we dive into the importance of Urban Wetlands for the cities. According to Wetlands International South Asia, approximately 8% of the total wetland area in India is located within urban areas. In this chapter, we provide examples of Wetlands in Indian cities that demonstrate The vital role of wetlands in groundwater recharge, flood buffering, wastewater filtration, and providing income generation opportunities. A spotlight on the case of East Kolkata Wetlands giving further insight as to how a wetland can be beneficial to the well-being of a city.
In the third chapter, we discuss the decline of Urban wetlands. Indian cities - big, medium, and small, are simultaneously going through significant changes in their landscape. A consequential outcome of this rapid development is the observed decline of ecology of the urban wetlands. Similar to the previous chapter, we illustrate this decline of wetlands through examples from Indian cities, emphasising the ongoing challenges. The chapter concludes with a spotlight on the case of Deepor Beel in Guwahati that is experiencing the kind of decline previously discussed.
The fourth chapter delves into the complexities and strategies involved in effectively conserving and managing urban wetlands. It highlights the diverse array of stakeholders, policies, gaps, and potential solutions associated with wetland management in urban areas. The chapter underscores the importance of community engagement, as local communities often rely on the wetland for livelihoods, recreation, or cultural practices. The chapter also discusses the role of various stakeholders, including citizens, NGOs, local bodies. The chapter also has a spotlight on the case of Udaipur, highlighting some of the community based initiatives involved in management of the city's wetlands.
This edition of our report has placed a greater focus on lakes as urban wetlands, primarily due to their unique suitability and numerous advantages in urban settings, in contrast to other types of wetlands. Lakes, often centrally located within cities, are more adaptable to urban landscapes and provide a range of ecosystem services that are directly beneficial to denser populations. They offer a readily accessible source of water for domestic and industrial use, crucial green spaces for recreation, and serve as biodiversity hotspots in otherwise concrete-dominated environments.
Furthermore, the report highlights a range of phenomena related to urban wetlands by combining conceptual discussions with real-life experiences and examples from cities. While prominent cities such as Bangalore, Delhi, and Chennai are referenced to highlight specific instances, conscious efforts have been made to include examples from less-discussed cities like Srinagar, Nainital, Leh, Kollam, Guwahati, among others.
The insights provided in this report aim to enhance citizens' understanding of urban wetlands and wetlands in general. Moreover, it seeks to inspire citizens, civil societies, and authorities to raise awareness and take action for the improved protection and conservation of wetlands in our cities.
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