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DDA Chief Links Floods to Land Management on World Wetlands Day

Delhi Development Authority Vice Chairman N. Saravana Kumar emphasized the critical link between land management, wetland conservation, and urban flood prevention at a World Wetlands Day event. Experts highlighted that over 87% of the world's wetlands are extinct, with surviving ones often degraded, threatening planetary health. The event showcased DDA's work on the Yamuna floodplains, including removing encroachments and developing biodiversity parks that improve water quality and citizen well-being. The gathering of over 350 participants concluded with a nature trail to observe migratory birds at the Yamuna Biodiversity Park.

Key Points: Delhi Floods Linked to Land Management, Says DDA Chief

  • Wetlands crucial for flood mitigation
  • DDA removed Yamuna encroachments
  • Wetlands have $26.4T economic value
  • Biodiversity parks enhance city life
2 min read

World Wetlands Day: DDA chief links floods to land management

DDA Vice Chairman highlights wetland conservation and floodplain management as key to preventing urban floods during World Wetlands Day event.

"wetland conservation is deeply rooted in traditional practices and is not a modern concept - N. Saravana Kumar"

New Delhi, Feb 3

Delhi Development Authority Vice Chairman N. Saravana Kumar has highlighted the importance of land management and urban governance in protecting cities from natural disaster like floods.

Speaking at an event organised at the Authority's Yamuna Biodiversity Park (YBP) to celebrate World Wetlands Day on Monday, Saravana Kumar emphasised the DDA's role in removing encroachments from the Yamuna floodplains and developing Baansera and Asita Parks.

The event, organised at YBP's amphitheatre near the restored wetland, aligned with the global theme "Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage".

The DDA Vice Chairman highlighted that wetland conservation is deeply rooted in traditional practices and is not a modern concept.

He noted that nearly 15 per cent of Delhi's geographical area comprises DDA parks, which are accessible to the public, and that the seven Biodiversity Parks developed by DDA in collaboration with Centre for Environmental Management of Degraded Ecosystems (CEMDE) of Delhi University are significantly enhancing the quality of life for citizens.

C.R. Babu, CEMDE Director, said that all rivers originate from wetlands -- whether glaciers, lakes, or ponds -- and stressed that the survival of the planet depends on the restoration and preservation of wetlands.

He added that more than 87 per cent of the world's wetlands were extinct and most of the extant wetlands are highly degraded and non-functional.

Shashank Shekhar, Department of Geology, Delhi University, explained the role of wetlands in maintaining river flow.

He highlighted that Biodiversity Parks developed on floodplains help in regulating nutrient cycling, reduce pollution, and protect rivers from nutrient loading.

Yamini Gupt, Department of Business Economics, Delhi University, shared insights on the economic value of wetlands which are worth $26.4 trillion, exceeding the GDP of many countries.

The event concluded with an award ceremony for the photography competition, organised in collaboration with Delhi University's Rajdhani College.

The participants also took a guided nature trail walk, experiencing YBP's wetlands and observing migratory bird species such as Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Great Cormorant, Gadwall, and Teal.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 350 attendees, including students from Delhi University colleges -- SPM College, Keshav Mahavidyalaya, School of Business Economics, Zakir Hussain College, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee College, IP College for Women, Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University, Satyavati College, MV College of Education, Mata Sundri College, and Shivaji College -- along with researchers, UPSC aspirants, academicians, journalists, nature enthusiasts, local communities, and DDA officials.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's heartening to see students involved. We need to inculcate this respect for nature in the next generation. The economic value figure of $26.4 trillion is mind-blowing! Protecting wetlands isn't just an environmental issue, it's an economic imperative for India.
V
Vikram M
Good words, but will there be action? Every monsoon we see flooding in Delhi because the natural drainage (wetlands) is gone. DDA should focus less on new real estate and more on restoring what we've destroyed. The parks are nice, but are they enough to prevent the next flood?
S
Sarah B
The link to traditional knowledge is so important. Our ancestors understood the balance. We've forgotten it in the race for 'development'. Hope the photography awards inspire more people to see the beauty and necessity of these spaces.
R
Rohit P
Baansera park is a lovely place for families. More such initiatives are needed across all Indian cities, not just Delhi. Can the DDA model be replicated in Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai? Our urban planning needs this green backbone desperately.
K
Kavya N
"87% of the world's wetlands extinct" – this statistic is terrifying. We are literally destroying our life support system. Events like this create awareness, but we need strict policy and enforcement. No more construction on lake beds and river banks!
M
Michael C

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