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High-Level Workshop on Wetland and Biodiversity Conservation Held in Nava Raipur
Raipur, 14 July 2025 – A high-level workshop focused on the conservation of biodiversity and wetlands was held today at the Dandakaranya Aranya Bhawan in Nava Raipur. The event was attended by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, Leader of Opposition Dr. Charan Das Mahant, Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Arun Sao and Shri Vijay Sharma, along with all cabinet ministers and legislators.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai emphasized that the vision of a developed Chhattisgarh cannot be achieved through infrastructure development alone, but also requires environmental balance and biodiversity conservation. He urged every public representative and citizen to take personal responsibility and become a “Wetland Mitra” (Wetland Friend) to transform this initiative into a people’s movement.
Chairing the workshop, Forest and Climate Change Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap stated that protecting biodiversity and wetlands is not just an environmental necessity but also a matter of securing the future for upcoming generations. He called upon all public representatives to participate actively in this cause and spread awareness by becoming “Wetland Mitras.”
Shri Rakesh Chaturvedi, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Biodiversity Board, delivered a comprehensive presentation covering the 1992 Earth Summit, the Biodiversity Act of 2002, the role of the National Biodiversity Authority, and the structure and functioning of Biodiversity Management Committees. He highlighted that Chhattisgarh is the third state in India where these committees are operating effectively.
On the topic of wetland conservation, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri Arun Kumar Pandey explained the crucial role wetlands play in maintaining ecological balance. He elaborated on the functioning of the State Wetland Authority and the formation of district-level Wetland Conservation Committees, noting that these committees are strengthening local monitoring and preservation efforts.
It was also revealed during the event that the Gidhwa-Parsada Bird Sanctuary in the state is eligible to be designated as a Ramsar Site based on international standards. Additionally, Khokhra village in Balodabazar district is in the process of becoming Chhattisgarh’s first Ramsar Site.
At the conclusion of the workshop, all public representatives and officials were urged to join the movement as “Wetland Mitras” and take active roles in conserving biodiversity and wetlands. This collective effort is expected to transform environmental awareness into a mass movement across the state.
Present on the occasion were Chief Secretary Shri Amitabh Jain, Additional Chief Secretary (Forests) Smt. Richa Sharma, Head of Chhattisgarh Forest Force Shri V. Shrinivas Rao, and Member Secretary of the Biodiversity Board Shri Rajesh Kumar Chandele, along with numerous senior officials and subject experts.
