Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, October 30
A two-day regional workshop on the conservation and wise use of wetlands began in Shimla on Thursday, bringing together representatives and experts from northern Indian states to deliberate on strategies for protecting these vital ecosystems. The event is being organised jointly by the Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology and Environment (HIMCOSTE) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India. Participants from Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Chandigarh, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh are taking part in the discussions.
The workshop aims to encourage the exchange of experiences and new approaches in wetland management, conservation, and sustainable utilisation. Experts will also visit Renuka Wetland to assess on-ground challenges and examine conservation practices firsthand. Officials said Himachal Pradesh alone has 197 identified wetlands, including three of international importance and two of national status. These ecosystems are crucial for the state’s agriculture, horticulture, tourism, and fisheries, but face mounting threats from siltation, urbanisation, and climate change.
Suresh Kumar Atri, Joint Member Secretary of HIMCOSTE, said the workshop’s primary goal is to promote the sharing of innovative management techniques and experiences from across India. “In Himachal Pradesh, the Khajjiar Lake is facing a serious threat from increasing silt deposition, while urbanisation around Rewalsar Lake has emerged as a major concern. Protecting wetlands is essential for our economy and ecology,” Atri said.
Delegates are presenting case studies from their respective states, sharing best practices and success stories in wetland conservation. The workshop is expected to conclude with policy recommendations for enhancing community participation and sustainable management of wetlands across northern India.
