Delhi Development Authority (DDA) Vice Chairman N. Saravana Kumar stressed the significance of land management and urban governance in safeguarding cities from natural calamities like floods. At an event held at the Authority’s Yamuna Biodiversity Park (YBP) to mark World Wetlands Day, Saravana Kumar highlighted DDA’s efforts in clearing encroachments from the Yamuna floodplains and creating Baansera and Asita Parks. The event, themed “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” underscored the deep-rooted traditional practices involved in wetland conservation.
Nearly 15% of Delhi’s land area is occupied by DDA parks, accessible to the public, with seven Biodiversity Parks developed in collaboration with the Centre for Environmental Management of Degraded Ecosystems (CEMDE) of Delhi University significantly improving citizens’ quality of life. C.R. Babu, CEMDE Director, emphasized the critical role of wetlands as the source of all rivers, highlighting the urgent need for wetland restoration and preservation to ensure the planet’s survival. He noted the alarming extinction of over 87% of the world’s wetlands, with the remaining ones being highly degraded and non-functional.
Shashank Shekhar from the Department of Geology at Delhi University elucidated on the vital function of wetlands in maintaining river flow. He pointed out that Biodiversity Parks on floodplains play a crucial role in regulating nutrient cycling, reducing pollution, and safeguarding rivers from nutrient overload. Yamini Gupt from the Department of Business Economics at Delhi University shared insights on the economic value of wetlands, exceeding $26.4 trillion, surpassing the GDP of many nations. The event concluded with an award ceremony for a photography competition and a guided nature trail walk, allowing participants to explore YBP’s wetlands and observe various migratory bird species.
