Udaipur, June 5 — In a momentous celebration of environmental consciousness and global recognition, Green People Society marked World Environment Day 2025 at the bird-rich village of Menar, rejoicing the United Nations’ declaration of Menar Wetland as a Ramsar Site. The event highlighted the ecological significance of the wetland and reinforced the village’s identity as a vital birding and biodiversity hotspot in southern Rajasthan.
Community Engagement to Preserve Wetlands and Wildlife
Held in the sacred precincts of Mrideshwar Mahadev Temple and Brahma Talab, the program drew subdivision-level participation with a strong focus on biodiversity conservation, water management, and creating a polythene-free environment.
Speaking at the event, Rahul Bhatnagar, President of Green People Society, elaborated on the importance of Ramsar designation for Menar. He educated the local community about the long-term environmental, economic, and tourism benefits of this international recognition.
Menar to Evolve as Eco-Tourism Hub
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Surendra Patidar addressed the gathering and expressed the administration’s commitment to transforming Menar into a high-quality tourism village. Key proposals included improved road connectivity to Menar’s iconic lakes, dense plantation drives, and comprehensive cleanliness campaigns with an emphasis on making the village plastic-free.
Student Participation and Cultural Outreach
A vibrant on-the-spot painting and drawing competition was organized for students of local schools, with winners felicitated during the event. The competition served as a creative platform for young minds to engage with themes of nature conservation and sustainable living.
Prominent attendees included Udaipur North Deputy Forest Conservator Ajay Chittora, environmentalist Suhail Majboor, ornithologist Darshan Menaria, and other respected nature conservationists and community leaders like Indrajeet Mathur, Pratap Singh Chundawat, Sharad Srivastava, and Ismail Durga.
Focus on Habitat Preservation and Sustainable Wetland Management
Bird lover and native naturalist Darshan Menaria delivered an insightful presentation on the natural heritage of Menar’s twin lakes, including ancestral efforts that laid the foundation for conservation. He also detailed the arrival patterns of migratory birds during the winter season, emphasizing the village’s role in global avian migration routes.
T-shirts bearing World Environment Day messages were distributed among students, while eco-friendly biodegradable carry bags were handed out to reinforce the village’s transition toward a plastic-free zone.
In his concluding address, Green People Society President Rahul Bhatnagar called upon the SDM to ensure pre-monsoon cleaning of feeder canals connected to the lakes and to develop healthy habitats for both migratory and resident bird species. His appeal underlined the urgency of proactive wetland management as Menar steps into its new identity as a Ramsar-designated ecological treasure.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.