Udaipur, the famed “City of Lakes,” has been awarded the Ramsar Wetland City Accreditation, recognising its outstanding efforts in conserving urban wetlands and promoting sustainable management. The honour was conferred during the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan Awards and Wetland Cities Recognition Ceremony organised by the Ministry of Environment. With this, Udaipur joins a select group of global cities committed to balancing urban growth with ecological preservation.
Why Wetlands Matter
Wetlands are often described as the “kidneys of the environment” by the Ramsar Convention. They act as natural filters, regulate floods, absorb pollutants, and provide habitat for diverse biodiversity. Beyond ecology, wetlands also sustain cultural traditions and local economies. However, urban wetlands face severe pressures from rapid city expansion, making their active management essential.
Criteria for Accreditation
The Ramsar Wetland City Accreditation demands strict compliance with conservation norms. Cities must demonstrate strong wetland protection policies, community engagement, integration of wetland zones in urban planning, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihood promotion. Udaipur met these standards through decades of lake conservation efforts, public participation initiatives, and eco-tourism development.
Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan Awards 2025
The ceremony also recognised 130 cities under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Indore topped the rankings with a perfect 200/200 score, while Jabalpur, Agra, Surat, Amravati, and Dewas were among the other high performers. Eleven cities were honoured for achievements in air quality, green transport, pollution control, and waste management.
Financial Push for Clean Air
To back clean air initiatives, ₹1.55 lakh crore has been mobilised across 130 cities—₹20,130 crore under NCAP and additional funds through central and state schemes. The support will strengthen tree plantation, e-vehicle adoption, waste-to-energy projects, and real-time air quality monitoring.
India’s Wetland Progress
India now has 91 Ramsar sites, the highest in Asia and third worldwide, covering 1.36 million hectares. National campaigns like Mission Amrit Sarovar and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam focus on restoring water bodies and mass afforestation. Udaipur’s global recognition highlights the success of combining community participation, eco-tourism, and modern urban planning with traditional conservation practices.