Hyderabad: Konda Surekha, the Minister of Environment and Forests & Endowments, emphasized the importance of conserving wetlands for biodiversity. She urged officials in Telangana to take effective measures to protect wetlands and consider seeking Ramsar recognition for them.
As the chairperson of the State Wetlands Authority (SWA), Surekha held a meeting with senior officials to review the conservation and identification status of wetlands. She highlighted that wetlands serve as habitats for various plants, birds, and animals. She insisted that human interference in the natural flow of canals into wetlands should be identified and strict measures should be taken to safeguard them.
After being briefed by officials about the wetlands in the state, Surekha instructed all departments involved to collaborate and gather information about wetlands. Nodal officers in each department were tasked with preparing reports to be submitted to the expert committee responsible for identifying wetlands accurately. The committee will conduct field visits and provide guidelines for their preservation. This process will enable the government to take appropriate measures to protect wetlands and conserve biodiversity in the state.
Surekha expressed disappointment that despite having 3-4 wetlands in Telangana that meet the standards of the Ramsar Convention, the previous government failed to take action for international recognition. She directed officials to expedite the identification process and submit a report as soon as possible to explore the possibility of obtaining recognition for wetlands in Telangana according to the convention.
