Indore, Bhopal to become wetland cities in the country, proposal sent for recognition

Bhopal and Indore are the first two cities in the country to have proposed for recognition as wetland cities. This information was given in the fourth meeting of the State Wetland Authority here today. Environment and Forest Minister Ramniwas Rawat chaired the meeting and directed to plant trees on the banks of rivers and ponds and to prevent rivers and ponds from getting polluted by city sewage.

Mr Rawat said that Madhya Pradesh is a state rich in rivers and ponds. The government and society should jointly conserve the ponds. He said that the state government is committed to the proper conservation of ponds. Saving water sources is the top priority of the state government.

In the meeting, Principal Secretary of the Environment Department, Mr Gulshan Bamra gave information about the important points of the Authority’s work and action plan. Member Secretary, Mr Sanjeev Singh discussed the agenda points. Minister Shri Rawat said that the Forest and Environment Department should jointly plant saplings on the banks of the ponds of the state in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.

Minister Shri Rawat unveiled the logo of the State Wetland Authority. The logo designed by Shri Shafa S. Mawal was recommended for the first prize of Rs. 50000/- and Shri Abino Simon was recommended for the second prize of Rs. 25000/-.

Minister Shri Rawat appreciated the works and activities of the State Wetland Authority. Member Secretary of the State Wetland Authority and Executive Director of APCO, Shri Sanjeev Singh, Commissioner of Nagar and Gram Nivesh Directorate, Shri Shrikant Bhanot, Member Secretary of Madhya Pradesh Biodiversity Board, Shri Sudeep Singh, Secretary of Forest Department, Shri Atul Mishra, Commissioner of Bhopal Municipal Corporation, Shri Harendra Narayan, Additional Secretary of Revenue Department, Shri Sanjay Kumar, Director of Fisheries Department and senior officers of all the concerned departments were present.

Sirpur Wetland

Sirpur Wetland located in Indore is a man-made wetland, developed with natural features over the last two centuries. Commonly known as Pakshi Vihar (Bird Sanctuary), this site is a shallow, alkaline, nutrient-rich lake. It protects plants and animals including endangered species. It provides a conducive environment for the life of about 175 terrestrial plant species, six macrophytes, 30 natural and fish species, eight reptiles and amphibians.

Waterbirds come here during the winter season. About 130 bird species have been seen here. These include Common Pochard (Aythya ferina), Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) and Indian River Tern (Sterna aurantia). Sirpur Wetland connects the communities living nearby with fisheries and medicinal plant activities. Prevents floods. Local people come here for peace, recreation and education on environmental conservation.