Wetlands Gone Flatlands in Kudla? APDF celebrates ‘Wetlands Day’

Wetlands Gone Flatlands in Kudla? APDF celebrates ‘Wetlands Day’ at Sri Ramakrishna College

Wetlands Gone Flatlands in Kudla? ‘Flatlands’ meaning to say that all the “Wetlands” have been converted into “Residential Flats?”. Anti Pollution Drive Foundation (APDF) in association with Sri Ramakrishna Degree College, Bunts Hostel Rd-Mangaluru, Antony Waste Management Cell Pvt Ltd and Mangaluru City Corporation celebrates ‘Wetlands Day’ with the theme “Wetlands For a Sustainable Urban Future” at Sri Ramakrishna College-Mangaluru on Wednesday, 7 February 2018.

Mangaluru: “World Wetlands Day” is celebrated internationally each year on 2 February. It marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) in Ramsar, Iran, on 2 February 1971. World Wetlands Day was first celebrated in 1997. Since then government agencies, non-government organisations and community groups have celebrated World Wetlands Day by undertaking actions to raise public awareness of wetland values and benefits and promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands. These activities include seminars, nature walks, festivals, announcement of new Ramsar sites, newspaper articles, radio interviews and wetland rehabilitation.

The international theme for World Wetlands Day 2018 is ‘Wetlands for a sustainable urban future’. Urban wetlands make cities liveable in many important ways. They reduce flooding, replenish drinking water, filter waste, provide urban green spaces, and are a source of livelihoods. Urban wetlands should be integrated into a city’s sustainable future planning and development. As they say “Better Late than Never”, ‘Wetlands Day’ celebration was observed a few days later by Anti Pollution Drive (APD) Foundation in association with Sri Ramakrishna Degree College, Bunts Hostel Rd-Mangaluru, Antony Waste Management Cell Pvt Ltd and Mangaluru City Corporation celebrates ‘Wetlands Day’ at Sri Ramakrishna College-Mangaluru on Wednesday, 7 February 2018.

The programme began with invoking God’s blessings through a prayer song rendered by student Amrutha of IInd B Sc, followed by welcome address by Neha Shenoy-GM of Operations at APDF. The programme was inaugurated by lighting of the traditional lamp by chief guest-Mahesh Nayak-Executive Editor of Mangalore Today Website, along with other dignitaries on the dais namely APD Foundation’s founder Abdullah A. Rehman; Ms Nagaveni, chairperson, Standing Committee for Public Health, Education and Social Justice at Mangaluru City Corporation; Prakash Kurup- Senior Manager, Antony Waste Management Cell Ltd; Prof K Shrikar-Principal and Ms Prathima Shetty- Principal and Vice Principal respectively of Sri Ramakrishna Degree College; V G Bhat and Jennifer Alva- NSS Programme Officers at the college.

Following the inauguration there was a debate competition between four teams on the topic: “Using of chemical fertilizers in agriculture is necessary-Yes or No?”; “Is Consumption of wood is necessary in the present era-yes or no?”; and ” Wetlands are needed for sustainable development-yes or no?” – there were tough discussions and arguments between the boys and girls in the four teams, and the all-boy group comprising of Deepesh, Manoj, Shohaib and Prajwal won the competition and were presented with prizes by the dignitaries. Ruhia Hussain-GM of Communications at APDF handled the debate competition.

Chief guest Mahesh Nayak addressing the audience narrating his experience about wetlands in Mangaluru during his youth days said, ” Going back to my youth days, I remember there were many wetlands in Mangaluru, including many paddy fields, rivers and so on. As years went by, all these wetlands made way for City’s infrastructure, when apartments, multi-storeyed buildings, commercial complexes, Malls etc. The beauty and green nature of all these wetlands were lost. You hardly find any wetlands in Mangaluru now, just for a few here and there. Wetlands are often referred to as “Earth’s kidneys” because they provide the same functions, absorbing wastes such as nitrogen and phosphorous. When excess amounts of these substances—nutrient loading—flow into waterways it can mean harmful algal blooms, hypoxia, and summer fish kills.”

“Recognizing the importance of wetlands, many communities are taking steps to protect, restore, and even create wetlands. For example, many stream restoration projects include constructing wetlands to absorb stormwater runoff and absorb excess nutrients and other pollutants that flow in from a host of sources across the watershed (known collectively as non-point source pollutants). These constructed wetlands can provide key elements to urban stormwater management because they help reduce the impacts of runoff after a rainstorm. Such runoff typically transports high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorous and suspended solids from road surfaces into waterways. Just like how our kidneys are an essential aspect of the human body, wetlands are an important aspect of nature. Retaining additional nutrients and treating non-point source pollutants help give natural and constructed wetlands the affectionate nickname of “Earth’s Kidneys.” While we are observing ‘Wetlands day’, we should see that we save wetlands for good and eco-friendly environment” added Mahesh Nayak.

Ms Nagaveni also speaking on the occasion said, “As the chief guest already mentioned about the benefits of Wetlands, we should try to restore as many wetlands that are seen here in Mangaluru. Apart from saving wetlands, we also need to learn how to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle with Waste Segregation. MCC is trying its best to bring awareness among the residents of Mangaluru on this Waste Segregation issue. But many citizens are not cooperating and abusing the waste segregation method. To make Mangaluru Swachha, we need to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Waste segregation means basically keeping Wet and Dry Waste separately so that Dry can be Recycled, and Wet waste can be composted. Segregation of Waste is important for properly disposing of the vast amount of waste generated by modern society to maintain a sustainable and healthy environment. As a young generation, you all can do it, and spread the word of waste segregation among your neighbours and friends so that we can have a clean and green Mangaluru city”.

Winners in drawing contest on the topic of “Wetlands” namely Vasanthi (1st place), Nikshitha (2nd) and Pawan Raj Acharya (3rd) were presented with the prizes during the occasion. The vote of thanks was proposed by Ms Jennifer Alva, while the entire programme was professionally compered by student Prathvi- IInd B Com.

In conclusion, Wetlands may be natural or artificial and the water within a wetland may be static or flowing, fresh, brackish or saline. There are even underground wetlands. Why are wetlands important? Wetlands are a critical part of our natural environment. They protect our shores from wave action, reduce the impacts of floods, absorb pollutants and improve water quality. They provide habitat for animals and plants and many contain a wide diversity of life, supporting plants and animals that are found nowhere else. Wetlands provide an important range of environmental, social and economic services. Many wetlands are areas of great natural beauty. Wetlands also provide important benefits for industry. For example, they form nurseries for fish and other freshwater and marine life. Wetlands are the vital link between land and water. So its time that we consider this issue seriously, and try to protect our wetlands before they vanish?