TAASIR :– S M HASSAN 2 Feb
The Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) Yamuna Biodiversity Park (YBP) celebrated World Wetlands Day on 2 February 2026 at its amphitheatre near the restored wetland. The event was organized around the global theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” highlighting that wetland conservation is deeply rooted in traditional practices and is not a modern concept.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 350 attendees, including students from Delhi University colleges—SPM College, Keshav Mahavidyalaya, School of Business Economics, Zakir Hussain College, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee College, IP College for Women, Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University, Satyavati College, MV College of Education, Mata Sundri College, and Shivaji College—along with researchers, UPSC aspirants, academicians, journalists, nature enthusiasts, local communities, and DDA officials.
Vice Chairman, Delhi Development Authority, Dr. N. Saravana Kumar addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of land management and urban governance in protecting cities from natural disaster like floods. He noted that nearly 15% of Delhi’s geographical area comprises DDA parks, which are accessible to the public, and that the seven Biodiversity Parks developed by DDA in collaboration with CEMDE (Delhi University) are significantly enhancing the quality of life for Delhi’s citizens. He also emphasized DDA’s role in removing encroachments from the Yamuna floodplains and developing Baansera and Asita Parks, and encouraged students to visit these ecological spaces.
Professor C. R. Babu underscored that all rivers originate from wetlands—whether glaciers, lakes, or ponds—and stressed that the survival of the planet depends on the restoration and preservation of wetlands. He pointed out that over 87% of the world’s wetlands were extinct and most of the extant wetlands are highly degraded and non-functional.
Dr. Shashank Shekhar, Department of Geology, University of Delhi, explained the role of wetlands in maintaining river flow. He highlighted that Biodiversity Parks developed on floodplains help in regulating nutrient cycling, reduce pollution, and protect rivers from nutrient loading.
Professor Yamini Gupt, Department of Business Economics, University of Delhi, shared insights on the economic value of wetlands are worth USD 26.4 trillion, exceeding the GDP of many countries.
The event concluded with an award ceremony for the photography competition, organized in collaboration with Rajdhani College and Swadhyay Seva Foundation, followed by vote of thanks from Dr. M Shah Hussain. Participants also took a guided nature trail walk, experiencing YBP’s wetlands and observing migratory bird species such as Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Great Cormorant, Gadwall, and Teal.