Kichan, Menar in Rajasthan get Ramsar tags
The Union environment ministry announced on Wednesday that two new wetlands — Kichan in Phalodi and Menar in Udaipur — from Rajasthan have been designated as Ramsar sites, taking up the list of such wetlands in India to 91.
Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention, headquartered in Gland, Switzerland.
Commenting on the development, PM Modi said on X, 'Great news! India's strides in environmental conservation are happening with great vigour and are powered by public participation.'
'The achievement is yet another testament to the fact that PM Shri @narendramodi ji's focus on environmental conservation is successfully helping India build a greener tomorrow,' Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav wrote on X.
HT had reported on May 19 that in Rajasthan, a small village, less than 50 km off Udaipur, has emerged as a biodiversity hotspot with sightings of several threatened and near-threatened bird species over the last few years. These sightings and community-driven conservation efforts have bestowed Menar with the moniker of 'bird village'.
Recent sightings include species such as cinereous vulture, long-billed vulture, Himalayan griffon vulture and Egyptian vulture in the grasslands, besides Asian wooly-necked stork, ferruginous pochard, Dalmatian pelican, and black-tailed godwit in the Menar wetlands.
India has the largest number of Ramsar wetlands in Asia, according to the ministry.
Under the Convention on Wetlands, an intergovernmental treaty for conservation of wetlands, contracting parties are expected to identify and place suitable wetlands onto the List of Wetlands of International Importance, or the Ramsar List.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Gazette
11 hours ago
- India Gazette
PM Modi highlights Meghalaya's Eri Silk in Mann Ki Baat, calls it 'Ahinsa Silk'
New Delhi [India], June 29 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 123rd episode of his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat, lauded the traditional Eri Silk of Meghalaya, which has gained global recognition. PM Modi stated that the production process of Eri Silk does not involve killing silkworms, making it an ethical and eco-friendly alternative in the global textile market. That is the reason the Meghalaya silk is also called 'Ahimsa Silk'. 'Eri Silk from Meghalaya was recently awarded a GI tag... The tribes of Meghalaya, especially the Khasi community, have preserved it for generations and enriched it with their skills... The silkworms that produce this are not killed, which is why it is known as 'Ahimsa Silk,'' PM Modi said during his Man Ki Baat. Emphasising its environmental appeal, the Prime Minister said that Eri Silk presents an opportunity because of its characteristics. 'It is a perfect product for the global market since there is an increased demand for products that don't harm the environment,' he added. PM Modi also highlighted the functional benefits of the fabric, noting that Eri Silk keeps the wearer warm in winter and cool in summer, a unique property that makes it suitable for all climates. 'This silk keeps you warm during winters and cool during summers,' he added. Further praising the role of local communities, he said, 'Women of Meghalaya are taking this to a larger scale via self-help groups,' showcasing how grassroots efforts are empowering women and expanding the reach of indigenous products. Eri Silk is renowned as the world's only vegan silk, where, unlike other silks, the moth inside the cocoon is not killed. Instead, the moth naturally exits the cocoon, leaving it behind for us to use. This ethical and eco-friendly process sets Eri Silk apart, making it a symbol of compassion and sustainability in the textile industry. Last year, the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), under the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India, obtained the prestigious Oeko-Tex certification for its Eri Silk directly from Germany on the nation's 78th Independence Day. This remarkable accomplishment not only elevates the region's traditional craftsmanship but also positions Eri Silk as a globally recognised, sustainable textile. This achievement further solidifies the silk's status as a Geographical Indication (GI) product of Assam, underscoring its authenticity and regional significance. This certification marks a pivotal step in bringing Eri Silk closer to penetrating the global export market, expanding its reach, and establishing a strong international presence. The milestone also opens new doors for Eri Silk, positioning it as a leading eco-friendly fabric in the international market and showcasing the region's potential in contributing to the global textile industry. (ANI)
India Today
14 hours ago
- India Today
Mother of pilot killed in Uttarakhand helicopter crash dies on his 'terahvi'
Mother of Rajveer Singh Chauhan, the pilot who lost his life in the recent Uttarakhand helicopter crash, died on the day of his 'terahvi' (thirteenth-day ritual) after suffering a heart attack. Vijay Laxmi Chauhan could not bear the shock of losing her son and died at their home in Jaipur's Shastri members said she had been deeply distressed since the accident and her health worsened rapidly after the final rites for her son. She was cremated soon after her Singh Chauhan, a former Indian Army pilot, had joined Aryan Aviation Private Ltd in October 2024. He was flying a Bell 407 helicopter that crashed near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand's forest area on June 15. The helicopter, carrying six passengers from Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi, reportedly veered off course due to harsh weather and poor visibility, killing all seven people on board. The helicopter took off at 5.17 am from Kedarnath, heading for Guptkashi with passengers on board. Officials said it likely strayed off course due to severe weather and poor visibility in the valley, which contributed to the on board the ill-fated helicopter included pilot Rajveer, Vikram Rawat, Vinod, Trishti Singh, Rajkuma, Shraddha, and 10-year-old was Uttarakhand's fifth helicopter crash in six weeks, raising fresh concerns about flight safety during pilgrim operations in the Himalayan extensive experience in flying missions over difficult terrain made him a trusted pilot for high-altitude routes. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grief over the incident. He said, "This morning, a helicopter crashed due to bad weather. I pray to God for those who lost their lives. An emergency meeting has been called immediately, in which instructions have been given that the rules of our DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) should not be violated.- Ends(With inputs from Vishal Sharma.)Must Watch
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Time of India
PM Modi calls Meghalaya's Eri Silk ‘Ahimsa Silk', praises eco-friendly production in Mann Ki Baat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi , in the 123rd episode of his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat, lauded the traditional Eri Silk of Meghalaya , which has gained global recognition. PM Modi stated that the production process of Eri Silk does not involve killing silkworms, making it an ethical and eco-friendly alternative in the global textile market. That is the reason the Meghalaya silk is also called ' Ahimsa Silk '. "Eri Silk from Meghalaya was recently awarded a GI tag... The tribes of Meghalaya, especially the Khasi community, have preserved it for generations and enriched it with their skills... The silkworms that produce this are not killed, which is why it is known as 'Ahimsa Silk,'" PM Modi said during his Man Ki Baat. Emphasising its environmental appeal, the Prime Minister said that Eri Silk presents an opportunity because of its characteristics. "It is a perfect product for the global market since there is an increased demand for products that don't harm the environment," he added. Live Events PM Modi also highlighted the functional benefits of the fabric, noting that Eri Silk keeps the wearer warm in winter and cool in summer, a unique property that makes it suitable for all climates. "This silk keeps you warm during winters and cool during summers," he added. Further praising the role of local communities, he said, "Women of Meghalaya are taking this to a larger scale via self-help groups," showcasing how grassroots efforts are empowering women and expanding the reach of indigenous products. Eri Silk is renowned as the world's only vegan silk , where, unlike other silks, the moth inside the cocoon is not killed. Instead, the moth naturally exits the cocoon, leaving it behind for us to use. This ethical and eco-friendly process sets Eri Silk apart, making it a symbol of compassion and sustainability in the textile industry. Last year, the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), under the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India, obtained the prestigious Oeko-Tex certification for its Eri Silk directly from Germany on the nation's 78th Independence Day. This remarkable accomplishment not only elevates the region's traditional craftsmanship but also positions Eri Silk as a globally recognised, sustainable textile. This achievement further solidifies the silk's status as a Geographical Indication (GI) product of Assam, underscoring its authenticity and regional significance. This certification marks a pivotal step in bringing Eri Silk closer to penetrating the global export market, expanding its reach, and establishing a strong international presence. The milestone also opens new doors for Eri Silk, positioning it as a leading eco-friendly fabric in the international market and showcasing the region's potential in contributing to the global textile industry.
