HNLU Marks 50 Years of Ramsar Convention with National Workshop, Kopra Jalasay Named Chhattisgarh’s First Ramsar Site

Raipur : Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur, organised a national-level online workshop on “50 Years of the Ramsar Convention: Wetland Conservation in Global and Indian Contexts” to mark World Wetlands Day. The event also celebrated a major milestone for the state, with Kopra Jalasay being recognised as the first Ramsar Site of Chhattisgarh.

Opening the programme, Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) V.C. Vivekanandan underscored the enduring relevance of the Ramsar Convention since its adoption in 1971. He said the observance of World Wetlands Day and the Ramsar designation for Kopra Jalasay went beyond symbolism, reaffirming the critical role of wetlands in biodiversity conservation, livelihoods, and long-term sustainability.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Ritesh Kumar, Director of Wetlands International – South Asia, who reviewed India’s engagement with the Ramsar framework over the past four decades. While noting progress in expanding Ramsar Sites and strengthening regulation, he highlighted ongoing governance, ecological, and institutional challenges. He cautioned against unscientific practices such as indiscriminate concretisation and cosmetic beautification, calling instead for a national wetlands mission, better research–policy integration, enhanced financing, capacity building, and inclusion of wetlands education in academic curricula.

On legal and governance aspects, Mr. Pratik Verma, Legal Advisor to the Chhattisgarh State Wetland Authority under the Forest and Climate Change Department, described the Ramsar Convention as a cornerstone of international environmental law. He pointed to the growing role of Indian courts in strengthening wetland protection and stressed the need for public awareness and sustained institutional commitment.

The programme was conceived and organised by Dr. Debmita Mondal, Head of the Centre for Law and Sciences at HNLU, with support from Dr. Rana Navneet Roy, Head of the Centre for Environmental Laws, in collaboration with Wetlands International – South Asia, the Chhattisgarh State Wetland Authority, and the Chhattisgarh State Biodiversity Board. The session was anchored by Ms. Himanshi Thakur, an LL.M. student of the University.

The workshop drew participation from HNLU faculty, researchers, and students, along with over 80 participants from across the country. It concluded with a call to translate Ramsar principles into measurable outcomes, including healthier wetlands, resilient communities, informed citizens, and sustainable development, while positioning Chhattisgarh as an emerging contributor to India’s wetland conservation efforts.