It was a historic day for Gonda (Uttar Pradesh), as the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) organised the World Wetlands Day 2025 celebrations at the Parvati Arga Ramsar Site.
This was on February 2, 2025.
The event was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath and the Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, in the presence of senior dignitaries from both the Union and State Governments.
The event highlighted the critical role of wetlands in environmental conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods, aligning with this year’s theme of ‘Protecting Wetlands for our Common Future’.
This year’s theme underscores the need for collaboration and foresight, as it calls for valuing and protecting these richly biodiverse, productive ecosystems and taking inspiring action on their behalf – together, we can safeguard our common future and wellbeing.
Addressing the event, UP CM Yogi Adityanath appreciated Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh’s dedicated efforts towards preservation and conservation of ecology of Gonda District, which is blessed with Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary, and Tikri forest area.
He mentioned that due to their proximity to Ayodhya, both the sites have the potential to be developed as eco-tourism hub attracting large number of tourists, providing an opportunity to them to connect to the nature. He also welcomed the initiative of linking the wetland with Sarayu canal for sustaining water flow in the wetland.
He pointed out that Parvati Arga has long been known for its rich biodiversity, and now, it is gaining global recognition. Talking about the importance of Ramsar Sites in the country he explained the importance of migratory birds, which travel thousands of kilometers to Parvati Arga, playing a vital role in environmental balance.
On the occasion of World Wetlands Day 2025, reaffirming Government’s commitment to protect Wetlands for the future, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav took to social media and expressed gratitude towards PM Shri Narendra Modi for his unprecedented emphasis on preserving wetlands.
“It is because of this approach that our tally of Ramsar sites has reached 89. With a consistent rise in Ramsar sites, India is showing the commitment to both conserve and enrich nature”, the Minister stated.
Addressing the august gathering in Gonda, Union Minister Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh emphasized that the comprehensive development of Parvati Arga is progressing under CM Yogi Adityanath's leadership. He announced plans for a new nature-culture tourism corridor between Ayodhya and Devi Patan, which will boost employment opportunities.
He highlighted the importance of Parvati Arga for aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity and explained that Indian culture has always valued nature conservation. He further mentioned that Gonda district with over 100 wetlands, has strong potential to be recognized as a ‘Wetland City’.
He further mentioned that to promote eco-tourism, UP government is developing Tikri Jungle as an open safari zone, which will enhance tourism in the Awadh region.
During the event the dignitaries on the dais launched four publications including the ‘Integrated Management Plan of Parvati Arga Ramsar Site’, ‘Factbook of India’s 85 Ramsar Sites’, ‘Development of Van Taungya Villages’.
The Integrated Management Plan of Parvati Arga Ramsar Site outlines a comprehensive strategy for biodiversity conservation, sustainable wetland management, and community engagement, ensuring an adaptive management approach for wise use of the wetland.
The ‘Factbook of India’s 85 Ramsar Sites’ provides information on the values, benefits and threats of 85 Ramsar Sites of India including information about the species of conservation significance. The dignitaries also launched a video on the World Wetlands Day with a call to save the unique ecosystems, the Amrit Dharohars