Gonda (UP), Feb 2 (Reporter) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday highlighted the vital role of wetlands in groundwater conservation, ensuring irrigation and drinking water availability, flood control, carbon storage, and preserving vegetation, wildlife and migratory as well as local bird species dependent on aquatic ecosystems, pointing out that they are vital for livelihood and economic growth. Inaugurating the Conservation of Wetlands for Our Shared Future programme on World Wetlands Day at Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary in Gonda, the CM emphasized their impact on ecological balance. He also released books, toured an exhibition and felicitated competition winners. Yogi said, "They remind us of nature’s pristine form. The Parvati and Arga natural lakes exemplify India’s rich heritage. Formed naturally hundreds of years ago due to the Saryu River, these lakes have retained their original form, attracting migratory and local birds that travel thousands of kilometers to reach here. As temperatures rise, these birds return to their native habitats, offering valuable insights into global climatic conditions." Highlighting the economic significance of tourism, Yogi said that eco-tourism, heritage tourism and spiritual tourism serve as major drivers of employment. He cited Ayodhya’s transformation, where tourist footfall surged from 2.35 lakh in 2016 to 16.11 crore in 2024 due to improved connectivity and enhanced facilities. Yogi said, "This remarkable growth has generated widespread employment opportunities, benefiting sectors such as guiding services, restaurants, taxis, hotels, homestays, tent cities, and businesses related to flowers, leaves and local crafts." The CM said, "Earth is our mother and we must protect and preserve her as her children." He expressed concern over the encroachment of wetlands, where unplanned construction disrupts ecosystems and threatens biodiversity. Yogi said, "Many wetlands suffer from these adverse effects, leading to the loss of various animal species. Recognizing this challenge, the Ramsar International Wetland Convention was established in 1971 in Iran, underscoring the importance of wetland conservation for the future of our planet." he said that only 23 Ramsar sites were designated in India after independence, but under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this number has increased to 89 within 10 years. He also stressed the need for continuous efforts to protect these sites in UP. Highlighting local initiatives, he said that the Parvati Arga Wetlands are being integrated with nearby villages to promote economic opportunities. "Women’s self-help groups are being encouraged to market their products online in collaboration with Amazon," Yogi said. He said, "Previously, while high-quality products were being made, challenges in marketing and packaging hindered their reach. With improved packaging and marketing support, these groups are striving toward self-reliance." The CM mentioned the shift in consumer preferences, stating that five to seven years ago, Chinese products were commonly exchanged as gifts. "However, the government's One District, One Product (ODOP) initiative has gained momentum today, with locally-made products being favored. This shift has strengthened local markets, created employment opportunities and boosted economic self-sufficiency," he said. The CM emphasised that empowering women’s groups will enhance livelihoods and contribute to making Gram Panchayats and families self-reliant. He expressed confidence that if this momentum continues, UP can achieve its goal of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy within the next three to four years. Discussing eco-tourism, he announced plans to develop the Tikri forest into an open safari, transforming Gonda and the Awadh region into a significant eco-tourism hub. "The UP government will take responsibility for improving connectivity and will work on linking the Parvati and Arga wetlands with the Saryu Canal National Project," he said. Reflecting on past progress, he recalled that a survey ranked Gonda as the dirtiest district in the country eight years ago. "However, today, it has significantly improved its ranking. The district has also witnessed remarkable development, including the establishing of a medical college. Moreover, the Vantangiya community, deprived of rights for over a century, has now been granted their due entitlements, allowing them to live a life of dignity and respect," he said. Yogi said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set the goal of achieving net zero by 2070. "It is essential to curb pollution-causing elements to reach this target, thereby minimizing carbon emissions," he said. He highlighted the transition in cooking methods over the years, from firewood to kerosene and eventually to LPG, which was introduced to counter the adverse effects of traditional fuels. As a result, over 10 crore families across India have been provided with LPG connections, significantly improving their quality of life. Yogi further emphasized that UP's green cover has expanded due to proactive efforts by the state government. Over the past eight years, 210 crore saplings have been planted, with an impressive 70 percent survival rate. He said, "These efforts have led to developing dense forests in several areas, contributing to a healthier environment. Additionally, the Jatayu Conservation Center has been established in Gorakhpur as part of ongoing conservation initiatives." The CM expressed confidence that such efforts will continue, further enhancing the state’s forest cover. On this occasion, Union Minister of State and Gonda MP Kirti Vardhan Singh, UP Cabinet Minister Dara Singh Chauhan, Forest-Environment Minister of State (Independent Charge) Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena, Forest-Environment Minister of State KP Malik, MLAs Ramapati Shastri, Ajay Kumar Singh, Prem Narayan Pandey, Bawan Singh, Prabhat Verma, Vinay Dwivedi, Pratik Bhushan Singh, Legislative Council Member Awadhesh Singh 'Manju', District Panchayat President Ghanshyam Mishra, Principal Secretary (Forest-Environment) Anil Kumar etc. were present...////...