TNNChandigarh: In a bid to tap into community support for preserving and promoting the Sukhna Wetland, UT has launched a drive to rope in local citizens as “wetland mitras.” A senior UT forest and wildlife department official said, “The mitras (friends) are motivated volunteers from diverse stakeholder groups working together to protect wetlands and actively engage in conservation initiatives to manage these natural resources.” He added that the move is part of the “Save Wetland” campaign of the ministry of environment and forest.“People from diverse fields can register themselves as wetland mitras. People can be migratory bird experts or from plant preservation, or water experts, or simply dedicated to environmental protection. All are encouraged to participate. They will be given training and provided with badges after selection. Our aim is to have around 500 such mitras for the Sukhna wetland.” Volunteers will focus on maintaining pristine, clean wetlands by protecting biodiversity, preventing pollution, and conducting clean-up drives. Activities primarily support the protection and conservation of the 493-acre Sukhna Lake, a declared wetland, along with its surrounding 7,185.824-acre catchment area. Citizens can register via the Save Wetland campaign portal to participate in surveys, bird monitoring, and community mobilisation. “The initiative aims to strengthen the efforts of the UT department of forests and wildlife in preserving the ecological integrity of the city’s natural water bodies,” the official said. BOX: Proposed Ramsar site The administration is also pursuing the proposal to designate Sukhna Wetland as a “Ramsar site”. “Ramsar site will provide international recognition and will elevate the Sukhna Wetland’s global profile, highlighting its ecological and cultural importance.” The proposal for declaring Sukhna Wetland as a Ramsar Site was forwarded to MoEF&CC, GoI. After getting the central govt’s nod, it is being sent to the Ramsar secretariat in Gland, Switzerland. Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention (1971) for conserving biodiversity, managing habitats for migratory birds, and providing ecological services. As of Jan 2026, India has 96 Ramsar sites, including Chilka Lake (first site), with increased focus on conservation and sustainable use.MSID:: 127822559 413 |
