Page 58 - Mann Ki Baat January, 2023

Reversing the Loss of India's Wetlands

A Testament of Government Action & Jan Bhagidari

Loktak lake revered as “Ima”
Wetlands are very
(Mother) by locals in Manipur
important for the existence
and Sikkim’s Khecheopalri Lake
of our earth because many
popularly known as the “wish-
birds and animals depend on
fulfilling lake”, are symbolic of
them. Along with enriching
the status that India accords
Biodiversity, they also ensure
to its wetlands. Considered
flood control and groundwater as sacred, distinctive lands in
recharge. Indian history, wetlands are
-Prime Minister Narendra Modi vital ecosystems which sustain
(in his ‘Mann ki Baat’ address) biological diversity.
They are critically
important ecosystems
that contribute to climate
mitigation and adaptation,
freshwater availability, world
economies and more. However,
"Regulatory frameworks, they are also Earth’s most
policies and Governmental threatened ecosystems and
laws can be effective, only are disappearing three times
if the country’s citizens are
faster than forests. Despite their
motivated and involved
huge importance, wetlands
in wetland conservation.
Hence, the Government are globally under threat
plays a vital role in engaging for many reasons, including
and encouraging local water drainage, pollution,
communities, students,
unsustainable use, invasive
researchers and people
species, deforestation, and soil
of all age groups through
Jan Bhagidari to actively erosion.
participate in Wetland It is urgent to raise national
conservation." and global awareness about
-S.A. Hussain wetlands in order to reverse
Scientist-G, Wildlife Institute of their rapid loss and encourage
India actions to conserve and restore
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