Konda Surekha opens India's largest manmade floating bird island at Neknampur Lake

HYDERABAD: Environment Minister Konda Surekha on Friday inaugurated India's largest manmade floating bird island at Neknampur Lake, marking a significant milestone on the eve of World Wetlands Day 2024 celebrations.

The event, organised by the Environment Protection Training & Research Institute (EPTRI) in collaboration with the Telangana State Biodiversity Board (TSBDB), focused on the theme of "Wetlands and Human Wellbeing," aiming to raise awareness among communities, school, and college students about the critical importance of wetlands and biodiversity.

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The day's festivities included a series of engaging activities such as a Wetland Walk, a Poster Competition on Wetlands & Human Wellbeing, a Project Exhibition on Wetlands, and a Photo Exhibition on Wetlands & its Biodiversity. Adding a touch of festivity, a welcome dance on the theme "MERI LiFE" (Lifestyle for Environment) captivated the audience.

Minister Konda Surekha underscored the indispensable role of wetlands, often referred to as "earth's kidneys," due to their exceptional capacity to filter pollutants from flowing water. She urged students to enrol in Wetland Mitra (Chittadinelalu Mitra) and take responsibility for safeguarding wetlands against waste dumping, plastics, drainage, and other threats. Surekha also highlighted the historical significance of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, adopted on this day on the shores of the Caspian Sea.

Approximately 300 participants were actively engaged in the festivities, with the chief guest and dignitaries visiting exhibits. Students passionately explained their projects, aligning with the overarching theme of Wetlands and Human Wellbeing.