CHANDIGARH, 02.02.26-The World Wetland Day was celebrated today on 2nd February, 2026 by the Department of Forests and Wildlife, Chandigarh Administration in collaboration with the Department of Education, Non-Governmental Organizations (Youth Innovative Society and Global Youth Federation) and other line departments. World Wetland day is celebrated every year on 02nd February. This day marks the day of adoption of convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the Southern shore of the Caspian Sea.

The theme of World Wetland Day, 2026 is “Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage". In this series a walkathon was organized on Sukhna Wetland in which more than 300 schools’ students participated with different placard identifying slogans depicting importance and significance of Sukhna Wetland Ecosystem.

Shri Mandip Singh Brar, IAS, Home Secretary-cum-Secretary (Forests & Wildlife), UT Chandigarh, was the Chief Guest and flagged off the Walkathon, while highlighting the importance of Sukhna Wetland, he urged all to join hands with the Forest Department for protection and conservation of Sukhna Wetland which is a natural treasure in Chandigarh.

Sh. Saurabh Kumar, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests & Chief Wildlife Warden while informing about initiative of the department to register volunteer as Wetland Mitras informed that more than 300 residents have registered on the portal as on date, to voluntarily contribute as a Wetland Mitras.

In a separate program at Botanical Garden, Sarangpur, Chandigarh, students from Government Schools, participated in poster making competition, showcasing their creativity and understanding of wetlands ecosystem and traditional knowledge. The students participated with great enthusiasm and energy. Prizes and certificates were distributed to the winners and participants.

During the program, Shri Navneet Kumar Srivastava, IFS, Deputy Conservator of Forests, School Teachers, officials of Forest and Wildlife Department and others were also present.