Accreditation to India's First Wetland Cities Highlighting the Country's Commitment to Sustainable Urban Development

In a landmark urban sustainability and ecological conservation achievement for India, Indore and Udaipur received international recognition as the first “Wetland Accredited Cities” of the country under the Ramsar Convention. This prestigious accreditation underscores India’s commitment to integrating environmental conservation with urban development, ensuring a harmonious balance between nature and progress.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/travel/destinations/indore-and-udaipur-make-history-as-indias-first-wetland-accredited-cities-article-117594816

The Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty established in 1971, provides a framework for wetland conservation and sustainable use. The Wetland City Accreditation scheme, introduced in 2015, encourages cities to protect their wetlands, recognizing their vital role in biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and disaster resilience. The inclusion of these two in this global list highlights India’s proactive approach to preserving its natural ecosystems while fostering urban growth.

Indore, India’s cleanest city, has consistently implemented forward-thinking urban policies. A significant part of this success lies in conserving Sirpur Lake, a Ramsar-designated wetland known for its biodiversity and role as a migratory bird habitat. Now being developed into a bird sanctuary, the lake’s ecological importance is growing, making it a key site for environmental awareness and sustainable tourism. Indore’s achievement shows how cities can integrate wetland conservation into urban planning while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and infrastructure.

 

Udaipur, known as the “City of Lakes,” is famous for its interconnected network of water bodies, including Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar, and Swaroop Sagar. These lakes define the city’s cultural and historical identity and provide crucial ecological services like climate regulation, groundwater recharge, and protection against extreme weather. Udaipur’s recognition as a Ramsar-accredited wetland city reinforces the need to preserve urban water bodies amid rising urbanization and climate change.

The global accreditation of these two Indian cities sets an inspiring precedent for the rest of India. By prioritizing wetland conservation in urban planning, India demonstrates how economic growth can coexist with ecological sustainability. Wetlands provide essential services, including flood control, water purification, biodiversity conservation, and recreation, which enhance the quality of life for urban residents.

As global urbanization accelerates, these two can exemplify the urgent need for cities to adopt sustainable development practices. Their recognition showcases India’s dedication to environmental conservation and serves as a model for other major urban centers worldwide.

 

National Broadband Mission 2.0 Envisions Digital Inclusivity for Indian Citizens

India's digital divide, particularly in terms of broadband connectivity, remains a significant challenge, with disparities evident across urban and rural areas, socio-economic groups, and educational institutions. To address this, the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 has been launched. It will aim to strengthen digital connectivity and ensure inclusivity for all citizens.

 Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2093732 

Building on the foundation of NBM 1.0, which began in 2019, the mission aims to bridge the digital divide by expanding broadband access nationwide. Significant progress has already been made, with the OFC network extended to 4.191 million kilometers and telecom towers increasing to 8,17,000. These advancements have driven broadband subscribers to 941 million. Additionally, streamlined Right of Way (RoW) processes through the "GatiShakti Sanchar" portal have accelerated infrastructure deployment, making it easier for telecom companies to expand.

NBM 2.0 sets ambitious goals, including expanding OFC connectivity to 270,000 villages by 2030 and ensuring broadband access for 90% of anchor institutions like schools, healthcare centers, and government offices.  It will enhance fixed broadband speeds to a minimum of 100 Mbps from the current 63.55 Mbps. The mission also aims to reduce RoW processing time to 30 days, significantly improving efficiency compared to the 449-day timeframe in 2019. Additionally, rural internet penetration is set to increase, with a target of 60 subscribers per 100 people, up from 45. Sustainability is also a priority, with 30% of mobile towers expected to operate on renewable energy sources by 2030, reducing carbon footprints and improving energy efficiency.

To complement these efforts, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched initiatives like the Sanchar Saathi mobile app. It allows users to report fraudulent communications and verify registered mobile connections, enhancing consumer safety. Another major step is the introduction of Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) at Digital Bharat Nidhi-funded 4G sites, allowing subscribers of different telecom providers to access services from a single tower, optimizing infrastructure use, and ensuring seamless connectivity.

With its comprehensive vision, NBM 2.0 is set to revolutionize digital access by expanding broadband infrastructure, improving speed and affordability, and promoting sustainable energy use. The mission will drive economic growth while fostering social inclusion. It will play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide to benefit every citizen.