Rajasthan Environment

Ramsar Sites

Proposal to Develop Wetlands as Ramsar Sites

Why in News?

• The Rajasthan government recently sent a proposal to the Union Environment Ministry to develop five wetlands in the state as Ramsar sites.
• Previously, Sambhar Lake was declared a Ramsar site in March 1990, and Keoladeo Ghana National Park was declared in October 1981.

Key Points:

1. Proposed Wetlands:
   • The State Wetland Authority has proposed five key wetlands:
     1. Khinchan Bird Sanctuary – Jodhpur
     2. Chandlai – Jaipur
     3. Kanwas Pakshi Vihar – Kota
     4. Lunkaransar – Bikaner
     5. Menar Lake – Udaipur
   • Central Asian Flyway:
     • All these wetlands fall within the Central Asian Flyway used by migratory birds from November to February. Migratory birds fly to these wetlands seeking warmer temperatures during the winter months.
2. Conservation Efforts:
   • The State Pollution Control Board is working to stop the release of industrial effluents into these wetlands.
   • Efforts are also being made to prevent encroachment on these vital ecosystems, ensuring their sustainability for both wildlife and local communities.

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

1. Introduction:
   • The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty adopted on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran (on the southern shore of the Caspian Sea).
   • The treaty’s purpose is to conserve and manage wetlands of international importance, focusing on preserving their ecological and cultural value.
2. India and Ramsar Sites:
   • The Ramsar Convention came into force in India on February 1, 1982.
   • Wetlands recognized as Ramsar sites receive international protection, which helps ensure better maintenance and sustainable management.
   • Total Ramsar Sites in India (as of 2023): 75.
3. Benefits of Ramsar Status:
   • Being designated as a Ramsar site helps in:
     • Improved conservation and management.
     • Increased tourism, benefiting local economies.
     • Enhanced funding and resources for long-term ecological sustainability.

Exam Pointers:

• Wetlands as Ramsar Sites:
  • Rajasthan has two wetlands that are already Ramsar sites: Sambhar Lake and Keoladeo National Park.
  • The new proposal aims to add five more wetlands under the Ramsar Convention.
• Migratory Bird Route:
  • Understanding the importance of the Central Asian Flyway, which brings migratory birds to Rajasthan’s wetlands.
• Ramsar Convention:
  • Importance of the convention for wetland conservation worldwide.
  • India’s commitment under this treaty and its growing list of protected wetlands.

Rainwater Harvesting System

I. Introduction to Tankas

A. Traditional Tankas

1. Definition: Earthen rainwater storage tanks
2. Location: Constructed in Barmer district and other parts of western Rajasthan
3. Purpose: To collect water received during showers between July and September
4. Limitations:
   • Water gradually becomes contaminated due to earthen structure
   • Does not last for the entire year

B. Modern Update of Tankas

1. Implemented by: The Centre
2. Method: Construction of water storage spaces using reinforced concrete cement (RCC)
3. Benefits:
   • Provides uncontaminated water
   • Lasts for a longer period

II. Implementation of Modern Tankas

A. Scheme Details

1. Implemented under: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) Rural scheme
2. Timeline and numbers:
   • Total constructed since 2016: 1,84,766
   • Constructed in 2023-24 fiscal: 41,580
3. Specifications:
   • Size: 13.5 ft by 13.5 ft
   • Capacity: 35,000 liters of water
   • Cost per tank: ₹3 lakh
4. Implementation:
   • Target area: 2,971 villages (locally called ‘dhannis’)
   • Implementing agencies: Respective gram panchayats

III. Other Water Management Measures in Rajasthan

A. Water Supply Projects

1. Indira Gandhi Canal
2. Narmada Project
3. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scheme

B. Jal Jeevan Mission Progress

1. Target: 4.25 lakh households
2. Current coverage: 1.25 lakh households

IV. The Indira Gandhi Canal

A. Overview

1. Distinction: Longest canal in India
2. Route:
   • Starts from Harike Barrage (confluence of Satluj and Beas rivers in Punjab)
   • Flows through Ludhiana
   • Terminates in the Thar Desert, northwest Rajasthan

B. Significance

1. Purpose: Source of drinking water and irrigation
2. Coverage:
   • Serves 1.75 crore people
   • Covers 7,500 villages across 8 districts in Rajasthan

C. Current Issues

1. Water quality: Turned black due to pollutants
2. Health impacts:
   • Skin diseases
   • Gastroenteritis
   • Indigestion
   • Loss of eyesight

V. Key Points for Revision

1. Traditional vs. Modern Tankas:
   • Traditional: Earthen structure, prone to contamination
   • Modern: RCC structure, longer-lasting, uncontaminated water
2. Scale of implementation: Over 1.8 lakh modern tankas constructed since 2016
3. Multiple approaches to water management: Tankas, canals, and targeted schemes like JJM
4. Indira Gandhi Canal: Longest in India, crucial for Rajasthan, but facing pollution issues

VI. Potential Exam Questions

1. Discuss the evolution of the ‘tanka’ system in Rajasthan and its modern adaptations.
2. Evaluate the effectiveness of the MGNREGA scheme in addressing water scarcity in arid regions of Rajasthan.
3. Analyze the impact of the Indira Gandhi Canal on Rajasthan’s water security and the challenges it currently faces.
4. Compare and contrast the traditional water harvesting methods with modern water management techniques in Rajasthan.
5. How does the implementation of schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission complement the tanka system in ensuring water security for Rajasthan?

Wetland City Accreditation

I. Introduction to Wetland City Accreditation (WCA)

A. Recent Developments

1. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) submitted three nominations from India
2. Nominated cities:
   • Indore (Madhya Pradesh)
   • Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)
   • Udaipur (Rajasthan)

B. WCA Overview

1. Established by: Ramsar Convention
2. Established during: Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP) 12, 2015
3. Nature: Voluntary accreditation system
4. Purpose: Recognize cities taking exceptional steps to safeguard urban wetlands
5. Validity: 6 years

C. WCA Objectives

1. Promote conservation and wise use of urban and peri-urban wetlands
2. Encourage sustainable socio-economic benefits for local populations

II. Udaipur’s Nomination for WCA

A. Wetlands of Udaipur

1. Five major wetlands surrounding the city:
   • Pichola
   • Fateh Sagar
   • Rang Sagar
   • Swaroop Sagar
   • Doodh Talai

B. Significance of Udaipur’s Wetlands

1. Integral part of the city’s culture and identity
2. Help maintain the city’s microclimate
3. Provide a buffer from extreme events

III. Other Nominated Cities and Their Wetlands

A. Indore, Madhya Pradesh

1. Key wetland: Sirpur Lake (a Ramsar Site)
2. Significance:
   • Important site for water bird congregation
   • Being developed as a Bird Sanctuary

B. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

1. Key wetland: Bhoj Wetland (a Ramsar Site)
2. Significance:
   • Considered Bhopal’s lifeline
   • Features world-class wetlands interpretation centre, Jal Tarang

IV. Related Initiatives

A. Amrit Dharohar Initiative

1. Implemented by: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)
2. Alignment: Goals align with Wetland City Accreditation
3. Focus: Promoting conservation values of Ramsar Sites

V. Importance of Wetland Conservation

1. Biodiversity preservation
2. Climate regulation
3. Water purification
4. Flood control
5. Cultural and recreational value
6. Support for local livelihoods

VI. Key Points for Revision

1. WCA is a voluntary accreditation system established by the Ramsar Convention in 2015
2. Three Indian cities nominated: Udaipur, Indore, and Bhopal
3. Udaipur is surrounded by five major wetlands, integral to its culture and environment
4. Sirpur Lake (Indore) and Bhoj Wetland (Bhopal) are Ramsar Sites
5. The Amrit Dharohar initiative aligns with WCA goals

VII. Potential Exam Questions

1. Discuss the significance of the Wetland City Accreditation scheme and its potential impact on urban wetland conservation in India.
2. Analyze the importance of Udaipur’s wetlands in the context of the city’s culture, climate, and resilience against extreme events.
3. Compare and contrast the wetland features of Udaipur, Indore, and Bhopal. How do these wetlands contribute to their respective urban ecosystems?
4. Evaluate the role of initiatives like Amrit Dharohar in promoting the conservation of Ramsar Sites in India.
5. How might the Wetland City Accreditation influence urban planning and development policies in cities like Udaipur?