Wetlands of India

- June 28, 2023


By Shakthi Bharathi

Every year on 2 February, we celebrate World Wetlands Day, to bring attention to wetlands, which are crucial to our survival on Earth. But wait — what’s a wetland? 

Illustration: Tithee Dixit
All about wetlands

Wetlands are areas of land, permanently or seasonally covered by water. They reduce flooding, trap carbon, and combat climate change. They also clean and filter water, earning the tag “Kidneys of the Earth”.  

On 2 February, 1971, the Ramsar Convention, which pledges conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, was signed in Ramsar, Iran. India joined the treaty in 1982.  

Fun facts!

Did you know that Sambhar Lake, in Rajasthan, is a wetland? Every monsoon, flamingos flock to the lake, in a vibrant display of migration. 

Another such wetland is Chilika Lake in Odisha. It is home to rare aquatic animals, including the ever-smiling Irrawaddy dolphin. 

Wetlands are just as rich in flora as they are in fauna. Pichavaram Village of Tamil Nadu has the world’s second-largest mangrove forest. (Psst…the first is also our very own Sunderbans!)

The threat to our wetlands

Due to pollution and exploitation, wetlands have become one of the world’s most endangered habitats. Over 70 Indian wetlands of significant value have been identified by the Ramsar Convention, but we are losing them at the rate of 2-3% every year!  

It is time for us to speak up, take action, and protect Mother Nature’s invaluable gifts, for our own survival and the survival of all life on Earth. Make a resolution and be the change! 

Read about inspiring figures who have brought about changes in the world, on the ACK Comics app!

Comic of The Month

Tales of Durga

Goddess Durga is as widely worshipped as Vishnu and Shiva. She is the fierce form of Devi who, as Shakti, is considered the personification of universal energy. According to the Devi Bhagavata the Universe is but Her manifestation - and even Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva worship Her. Durga is worshipped in sixty-four forms as Ambika, Kali, Chamundi, Devi, Uma, etc. The worship of Durga is supposed to be more than 4,000 years old in India. The names of Uma and Parvati occur in the Taittiriya Aranyaka and the Kena Upanishad. Some Indologists are of the opinion that the figure seated on a lion in the coins of Azes I, the Shaka ruler (c. 5 B.C. to A.D. 30), represents Ambika or Durga. Durga is worshipped in one form or another in almost every Indian village. This Amar Chitra Katha is based on the Durga-Saptashati of the Markandeya Purana.

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