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Key Points

The Chandigarh Wetland Authority has approved a major conservation plan for Sukhna Wetland. They've greenlit a Rs 22.5 crore five-year integrated management strategy developed with WWF. Most significantly, the authority approved designating Sukhna as Chandigarh's first Ramsar site. This move will provide international recognition and elevate the wetland's global ecological profile.

Key Points: Gulab Chand Kataria Chairs Meeting Approving Sukhna Ramsar Site

  • Approved Rs 22.5 crore five-year integrated management plan for Sukhna Wetland
  • Proposal for first Ramsar site in UT Chandigarh gets green light
  • Plan includes protection, conservation and scientific management activities
  • Proposal to be forwarded to Ministry of Environment for fund release and Ramsar designation
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Gulab Chand Kataria chairs meeting of Chandigarh Wetland Authority; proposal for declaring Sukhna Wetland as 'Ramsar Site' approved

Chandigarh Wetland Authority approves Rs 22.5 crore plan and proposal to declare Sukhna Wetland as the UT's first Ramsar site for international recognition.

"Ramsar site will provide international recognition and will elevate the Sukhna Wetlands global profile - Official Release"

Chandigarh, September 19

The Fourth Meeting of State Wetland Authority of Chandigarh was held on September 19 under the chairmanship of the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria.

Chief Secretary, Home Secretary-cum-Forest Secretary, other senior officers of Chandigarh Administration, expert members from Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Dehradun and World Wide Fund (WWF) were present during the meeting, according to a release.

During the meeting, Wetland Authority considered and approved the five yearly Integrated Management plan for Sukhna Wetland prepared by Forest Department in consultation with WWF and concerned line departments in Chandigarh Administration.

The release highlighted that the Five-year integrated plan worth Rs 22.5 crore includes various works/activities to be carried out for protection conservation and scientific management of Sukhna Wetland. The plan will now be sent to Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Wetland Division, for releasing of funds under National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystem Scheme.

Wetland Authority also considered and approved the proposal regarding designating Sukhna Wetland as a "Ramsar site".

This will be the first Ramsar site in UT Chandigarh. Ramsar site will provide international recognition and will elevate the Sukhna Wetlands global profile highlighting its ecological and cultural importance, the release added.

According to the official release, the proposal for declaring Sukhna Wetland as Ramsar Site will now be forwarded to MoEF&CC, for onward necessary action in consultation with Ministry of External Affairs and Ramsar Secretariat.

Wetland Authority directed all concerned line departments to take necessary actions in a time bound manner for protection, conservation and scientific management of Sukhna Lake and other water bodies in U.T. Chandigarh.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally some positive environmental action! Hope the 22.5 crore budget is utilized properly without corruption. We need accountability in how these funds are spent.
A
Arjun K
As a Chandigarh resident, I've seen Sukhna Lake's condition deteriorate over the years. Hope this Ramsar status actually translates to better maintenance and cleaner water. The morning walkers community will be watching closely!
S
Sarah B
Great to see WWF and Wildlife Institute involved. International expertise combined with local knowledge can really make a difference. Hope they address the siltation problem effectively.
V
Vikram M
ज़मीनी स्तर पर काम होना चाहिए, सिर्फ meetings और proposals से कुछ नहीं होगा। सुखना झील हमारी शान है, इसे बचाना हम सबकी ज़िम्मेदारी है। 👍
M
Michael C
While the Ramsar designation is commendable, I hope the authorities also focus on controlling the tourist pressure and plastic pollution around the lake. Conservation needs to be holistic.

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