Chandigarh's Community-Led Initiative to Safeguard Sukhna Wetland
In a significant move to enhance environmental conservation, the Union Territory of Chandigarh has launched an innovative drive to enlist local citizens as "wetland mitras" (wetland friends). This initiative is part of the broader "Save Wetland" campaign spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, aiming to leverage community support for the preservation and promotion of the Sukhna Wetland.
Empowering Volunteers for Ecological Protection
A senior official from the UT forest and wildlife department highlighted that the wetland mitras are motivated volunteers drawn from diverse stakeholder groups. These individuals will collaborate to protect wetlands and actively engage in conservation efforts to manage these vital natural resources. The program encourages participation from people with various expertise, including:
- Migratory bird specialists
- Plant preservation experts
- Water resource professionals
- Environmental protection enthusiasts
Upon selection, volunteers will receive comprehensive training and be provided with official badges, symbolizing their commitment to the cause. The administration has set an ambitious target of recruiting approximately 500 wetland mitras dedicated to the Sukhna wetland.
Focus Areas and Activities for Conservation
The primary objective of the wetland mitras is to maintain the pristine condition of the wetlands by focusing on key areas such as:
- Protecting biodiversity to ensure ecological balance
- Preventing pollution through proactive measures
- Conducting regular clean-up drives to maintain cleanliness
These activities are specifically designed to support the protection and conservation of the 493-acre Sukhna Lake, which is a declared wetland, along with its extensive 7,185.824-acre catchment area. Citizens interested in contributing can register via the Save Wetland campaign portal, where they can participate in surveys, bird monitoring programs, and community mobilization efforts.
Strengthening Ecological Integrity and Global Recognition
The initiative aims to bolster the efforts of the UT department of forests and wildlife in preserving the ecological integrity of Chandigarh's natural water bodies. In a parallel development, the administration is actively pursuing a proposal to designate the Sukhna Wetland as a "Ramsar site". This designation would provide international recognition, elevating the wetland's global profile and underscoring its ecological and cultural significance.
The proposal for declaring Sukhna Wetland as a Ramsar Site has been forwarded to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India. Following central government approval, it will be submitted to the Ramsar Secretariat in Gland, Switzerland. Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention of 1971, focusing on conserving biodiversity, managing habitats for migratory birds, and providing essential ecological services. As of January 2026, India boasts 96 Ramsar sites, including Chilka Lake as the first, reflecting an increased national focus on conservation and sustainable use.
This community-driven approach not only fosters local engagement but also aligns with global conservation standards, positioning Chandigarh as a leader in wetland preservation efforts.
