India Celebrates World Wetlands Day 2025 at Parvati Arga Ramsar Site

Gonda: In a historic moment for Gonda, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) celebrated World Wetlands Day 2025 at the Parvati Arga Ramsar Site. The event, held on February 2, was inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, in the presence of senior dignitaries from both the Union and State Governments.

The celebrations underscored the critical role of wetlands in environmental conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods, in line with this year’s theme—”Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future.” The theme highlights the urgent need to safeguard these fragile ecosystems through collaborative efforts.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lauded Kirti Vardhan Singh’s efforts in preserving the Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary and Tikri Forest Area, which lie close to Ayodhya. He emphasized that these sites could be developed into major eco-tourism hubs, attracting visitors while enhancing public awareness about conservation.

CM Adityanath also welcomed the initiative to link the wetland with the Sarayu Canal, ensuring sustainable water flow in the ecosystem. He highlighted the global significance of Parvati Arga, which serves as a crucial habitat for migratory birds traveling thousands of kilometers, playing an essential role in maintaining environmental balance.

Marking the occasion, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritizing wetland conservation. He highlighted how India has increased its Ramsar sites tally to 89, demonstrating the country’s commitment to protecting and enriching its natural heritage.

Speaking at the event, Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh stressed the importance of Parvati Arga for biodiversity and aquatic ecosystems. He announced plans for a nature-culture tourism corridor between Ayodhya and Devi Patan, aimed at boosting employment and eco-tourism. He further noted that Gonda district, with over 100 wetlands, has the potential to be designated as a “Wetland City”. He also shared that Tikri Jungle is being developed into an open safari zone, which will enhance tourism in the Awadh region.

During the event, four key publications were launched:

• Integrated Management Plan of Parvati Arga Ramsar Site – Outlines a strategy for biodiversity conservation and sustainable wetland management.
• Factbook of India’s 85 Ramsar Sites – Provides insights into species conservation and wetland benefits.
• Development of Van Taungya Villages – Focuses on empowering tribal communities through sustainable development.
• World Wetlands Day Awareness Video – Highlights the need to protect India’s unique wetland ecosystems.

A major highlight of the event was the signing of an MoU between Amazon and ARGA, an initiative by the Uttar Pradesh Government, to empower women entrepreneurs in and around Gonda district. Amazon’s Saheli Programme will provide training in digital marketing, product optimization, and advertising, enabling women-led businesses to expand their reach and profitability.

The event also honored the winners of painting, quiz, and street play (Nukkad Natak) competitions based on the theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future.” Students from AP Inter College, Mankapur, Gonda performed their award-winning skit in front of dignitaries.

Additionally, Ramsar Site managers from four newly designated Ramsar Sites—Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand), Theerthangal (Tamil Nadu), Sakkarakottai (Tamil Nadu), and Khecheopalri (Sikkim)—were presented with Ramsar certificates.

The event began with the inauguration of an exhibition by CM Yogi Adityanath and Kirti Vardhan Singh, featuring over 25 exhibitors from across India. The stalls showcased:

• Eco-friendly products made from water hyacinth and bamboo
• Government initiatives like Mission LiFE and the Green Skill Development Programme
• Efforts by the National Museum of Natural History under the “Save Wetlands Campaign”

A special section displayed the winning paintings from a nationwide painting competition, highlighting the youth’s creative engagement in conservation.

The World Wetlands Day 2025 celebrations at Parvati Arga Ramsar Site reaffirmed India’s commitment to preserving wetlands as vital ecological assets. With ambitious projects like the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, eco-tourism corridors, and strategic MoUs, India is taking proactive steps to ensure a sustainable and biodiverse future.