Neeli Jheel may earn Ramsar status as the Delhi government plans to make it the city’s first such site, and this 5.16-hectare wetland in the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is being considered for designation as a wetland of international importance. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the ministry is in talks with the central government and will soon send it a detailed proposal.

Why Ramsar Sites Are Important

Ramsar sites are wetlands of “international importance” under the Ramsar Convention, created in 1971 in Iran, which highlights the wetland’s ecological value, particularly its role in maintaining biodiversity and environmental balance. India has added 98 sites to the Ramsar list since joining the convention in 1982. Neeli Jheel could be Delhi’s first addition to this global group.

At the World Wetlands Day program, officials opened an exhibition with groups working on wetlands, biodiversity, and environmental protection. The event also honored states with newly designated Ramsar sites and included a tree-planting ceremony to build environmental awareness. Sirsa noted that the government is working to identify and protect more than 1,000 water bodies in Delhi. Wetlands are critical to biodiversity, ecological balance, and as habitat for migrating waterbirds.

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Restoring Water Bodies in Delhi

Sirsa discussed the government’s broader plan to restore Delhi’s water resources. “We have finished finding and marking the boundaries of 856 water bodies; also, 174 have been brought back to life. We have requested bids for 22 more and are getting cost estimates for 20 more water bodies,” he stated. Delhi once had over 1,000 water bodies, but many were lost due to development on them and neglect, and the government wants to restore as many as possible by 2027.

MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh said that wetlands are not just ecological assets but also a key part of people’s social and cultural lives, and they have been gathering spots and supporting old practices. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said similar things, noting that wetlands support ecosystems, communities, culture, and jobs.

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Community Involvement and What’s Next

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) observed World Wetlands Day at the Yamuna Biodiversity Park, with over 350 students, researchers, and nature enthusiasts participating in awareness-raising activities. The designation of Neeli Jheel as a Ramsar site demonstrates Delhi’s commitment to integrating cultural heritage, ecological protection, and community participation.

As the government moves ahead with its plan, Neeli Jheel may earn Ramsar status, strengthening Delhi’s position in wetland protection and supporting efforts to protect biodiversity and water resources for the future.

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