State PCS - Rajasthan (RAS)

• 10 Sep 2025

Udaipur Receives Ramsar Wetland City Accreditation

Why in News?

Udaipur, often referred to as the 'City of Lakes', has achieved a significant milestone by receiving the esteemed Ramsar Wetland City accreditation. 

• This recognition was conferred during the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan Awards and Wetland Cities Recognition Ceremony 2025, organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

Udaipur’s Efforts in Wetland Conservation

• About: Udaipur city is surrounded by five major wetlands, namely, Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai.
  • These wetlands are an integral part of the city’s culture and identity, help maintain the city’s microclimate, and provide a buffer from extreme events.
• Recognition: Udaipur earned this distinction for its exemplary wetland conservation practices, placing it among a select group of cities worldwide recognized for their comprehensive approach to wetland protection and management.
  • Udaipur’s efforts include active community engagement in lake and wetland protection, as well as the successful integration of wetland management into urban planning.

Wetland City Accreditation (WCA)

• About:
  • The WCA is a voluntary accreditation system established by the Ramsar Convention during the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP) 12, 2015, to recognize cities that have taken exceptional steps to safeguard their urban wetlands.
  • It is awarded to urban centers that exhibit exceptional efforts in safeguarding wetlands, promoting biodiversity conservation, and supporting sustainable livelihoods. 
  • The scheme aims to promote the conservation and wise use of urban and peri-urban wetlands, as well as sustainable socio-economic benefits for local populations.
  • The WCA is valid for 6 years.
• Significance:
  • Encourages cities to develop positive relationships with valuable ecosystems like Wetlands of International Importance.
  • Aims to gain international recognition for cities valuing their natural or human-made wetlands.

Uranium Mining Project in Sikar District

Why in News?

In a recent address to the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, the Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Sumit Godara, revealed the details of a uranium mining project in Khandela tehsil, Sikar district.

Key Points

• Investment: The Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) will invest nearly Rs 3,000 crore in the uranium mining project. 
• Employment: The development is aimed at improving local employment rates and enhancing the socio-economic status of the area.
  • This initiative is expected to create 1,623 direct jobs, with 80 percent of these positions reserved for local residents. 
• Collaboration: The project is being carried out in collaboration with the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). 
  • These organizations are already conducting exploratory mining in the region, with decline mining and related operations underway.