India Adds 4 New Ramsar Wetlands, First for Jharkhand & Sikkim
India made a significant stride in wetland conservation, with four new sites added to the prestigious Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. This brings the total number of Ramsar sites in India to 89. Among the new additions, two wetlands from the north-eastern region, one from Gujarat, and Udhwa Lake from Jharkhand were recognised. The inclusion of these sites, especially the first-ever Ramsar recognitions for Jharkhand and Sikkim, highlights India's commitment to preserving its diverse ecosystems.
Jan 31, 2025
Gujarat Declares First Biodiversity Heritage Site
The Gujarat Biodiversity Board announced the designation of the 'Inland Mangrove Guneri' in Kutch as the state's first Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS). This initiative aims to protect a unique mangrove ecosystem that thrives in a non-tidal environment. The site spans 32.78 hectares and is for its ecological diversity. The declaration represents a milestone in Gujarat's commitment to biodiversity conservation.
Jan 28, 2025
Indore, Udaipur Join Global Wetland Cities Network
Indore and Udaipur achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first two cities from India to join the global list of accredited Wetland Cities under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. This recognition marks an important step in India's commitment to sustainable urban development and ecological conservation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated both cities, highlighting the importance of balancing urban growth with environmental sustainability. The accreditation reflects the value of wetlands in providing ecological, social, and economic benefits, making them vital for the sustainable development of cities.
Both cities were nominated by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
Indore: Sirpur Lake, a Ramsar site, is recognised for its significance as a water bird congregation area and is being developed as a bird sanctuary.
Udaipur: Surrounded by five major wetlands, including Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai, which contribute to the city's culture, identity, and microclimate regulation.
Jan 27, 2025
Dhanauri Wetland Notification
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Uttar Pradesh government to expedite the notification process for declaring the Dhanauri water body near Jewar airport as a wetland. The Dhanauri water body, covering 112.89 hectares, is vital for local biodiversity, especially for migratory birds.
Jan 25, 2025
Two Mountains 100 Times Taller than Mount Everest Discovered Deep Beneath Earth
Earth's biggest mountains, more than 100 times taller than Mount Everest, were discovered on the boundary between Africa and the Pacific Ocean. The two peaks lie deep beneath the Earth's surface and reach heights of around 1,000 km, far bigger than the 8.8 km height of Mount Everest. Researchers estimate that the mountains are at least half a billion years old but could date back to the formation of Earth four billion years ago.