The EIACP Division, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, continued its efforts to celebrate World Environment Day (WED) with a significant event aimed at raising awareness about wetland conservation.
On June 8, 2023, a 'Save Wetlands Campaign' was organized by the Program Centre at ADRI, Patna, at Gokul Jalashay in Buxar, Bihar. The primary objective was to sensitize local youths about Mission LiFE and the importance of preserving wetlands.
Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, graced the occasion and presided over a public event, which aimed to enlighten youth, children, and communities about the diverse values of wetlands and the urgent need for their conservation. Various activities were conducted during the campaign, including a plantation drive, seed ball-making competition, Mission LiFE and Save Wetlands pledge, and a sight visit around Gokul Jalashay.
Additionally, students performed a street play titled "Bolta Jalashay," which effectively conveyed the significance of waterbodies to the crowd. The event witnessed participation from over three hundred people, including school students and local communities, who actively engaged in the Wetland Walk and were educated about the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship between humans and waterbodies in a healthy environment.
During the event, Choubey, referring to wetlands as "Amrit Dharohars," emphasized their crucial role in ensuring human well-being. He highlighted the environmental conservation efforts and stated that Gokul Jalashay is a valuable societal asset that has contributed to the region's prosperity for generations.
Recognizing the immense tourism potential and the livelihood opportunities that the wetland offers to the local community, the Minister urged everyone present to take responsibility for saving Gokul Jalashay. Choubey also shed light on the Mission LiFE campaign, which was launched by the Prime Minister in Kevadia, Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, in October 2022, to promote environmental conservation.
In recognition of their outstanding performances, Choubey felicitated the students who participated in the LiFE Art Competition held on the occasion of World Environment Day.
It is worth mentioning that the Save Wetlands Campaign was inaugurated on February 2, 2023, by Bhupender Yadav, the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The campaign adopts a "whole of society" approach to encourage collective efforts for the conservation of wetlands, emphasizing the importance of these ecosystems on World Wetlands Day.
