Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission Press Release: World Wetlands Day celebrated on 02.02.2026 under Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission

Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission Press Release World Wetlands Day celebrated on 02.02.2026 under Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission 

The Government of Tamil Nadu is implementing various initiatives for the conservation and management of wetlands through the Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission, with a strong emphasis on awareness creation and active public participation. World Wetlands Day is observed every year on 2nd February to highlight the importance of wetlands and promote their conservation through awareness and public participation. As part of the World Wetlands Day celebrations for the year 2026, the event was organised at the Adyar Estuary, Chennai on 02.02.2026. 

In this connection, as part of the World Wetlands Day celebrations 2026, a Nature Walk followed by a Clean-up Activity was conducted at the Adyar Estuary, Chennai, on 02.02.2026 at 6.30 a.m. by the Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission in coordination with the Chennai Forest Division and with the collaboration of SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram Campus. Thiru. Srinivas R. Reddy, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Member Secretary, Tamil Nadu State Wetland Authority; Thiru. S. N. Thejasvi, IFS, Conservator of Forests, Chennai Circle; Thiru. Bhosale Sachin, IFS, Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wetlands), Tamil Nadu State Wetland Authority; Thiru. V. A. Saravanan, IFS, District Forest Officer, Chennai; and Dr. M. Sakthi Ganesh, Dean Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram Campus, graced the programme. 

The programme commenced with an address by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Member Secretary, Tamil Nadu State Wetland Authority, who highlighted the ecological significance of wetlands and the urgent need for their protection. It was emphasised that wetlands are ecologically fragile ecosystems playing a vital role in hydrology, biodiversity conservation and flood mitigation, particularly in urban areas such as Chennai, by absorbing excess floodwaters and gradually releasing them. The address also highlighted that wetlands serve as important habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife, and that their degradation due to unplanned urbanisation, sewage inflow and solid waste dumping has increased flood vulnerability. It was further informed that Tamil Nadu has accorded high priority to wetland conservation, with 20 wetlands designated as Ramsar Sites, the highest in the country, and that World Wetlands Day is observed to create awareness and encourage students and the public to act as partners in wetland conservation Following the address, a Nature Walk was conducted, during which students were sensitised to the ecological significance of the Adyar Estuary, wetland biodiversity, ecosystem services and the role of wetlands in climate. 

resilience. Officials from the Forest Department and the Tamil Nadu State Wetland Authority interacted with the students during the walk. Subsequently, a Clean-up Activity was carried out in the estuarine area with the active participation of 100 students from the ECO Club and National Service Scheme (NSS) of SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram Campus. During the activity, solid waste, including soft plastic waste, was collected from the wetland area. A total quantity of 86 kg of waste was collected. The collected waste was segregated and recycled through Spreco Recycling Pvt. Ltd., an authorised recycling agency. It is pertinent to mention that the Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission has entrusted the waste audit and recycling work in polluted wetlands to Spreco Recycling Pvt. Ltd., as part of its efforts to promote scientific waste management and circular economy practices in wetland ecosystems. 

The soft plastic waste collected during the programme is proposed to be recycled into eco-friendly flower pots. In recognition of the active participation and contribution towards wetland conservation and awareness activities, the Dean, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram Campus, was felicitated by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Member Secretary, Tamil Nadu State Wetland Authority, as a token of appreciation. Participation certificates and mementos were distributed to the students. The programme significantly contributed to enhancing environmental awareness among students and reinforced the importance of active public participation in wetland conservation initiatives.