Training on Urban Wetlands Management

About the Training
Water bodies in the form of lakes, ponds, tanks and other wetlands are an integral part of the hydrological cycle. Properly managed wetlands, especially lakes, in urban areas have an important role as a source of water supply, controlling run-off and groundwater recharge. These water bodies also host a wide variety of flora and fauna, provide recreation spaces and improve micro climate in the built environment. With rapid urbanization and expansion of city boundaries, a number of wetlands in urban areas are facing issues of over exploitation, encroachment, discharge of industrial effluents /domestic sewage and uncontrolled siltation. This results in the destruction of the water body and its catchment area. For prevention of pollution, conservation and restoration of wetlands, the government has come up with different policies and acts. 

The fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution of India Article 51 a – states ‘it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures’. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is an umbrella Act under which the Central Government can notify steps to be taken by states for ensuring protection, conservation of the environment, including wetlands. 

Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) plays an important role in the restoration of lakes/water bodies in India. MoEF has formulated the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) and developed guidelines in 2008. In the 12th five year plan, one of the main strategic attention is towards the restoration of 0.1 million ha. of wetlands/inland lakes and water bodies by 2017. The emphasis is on sustainable solutions towards revival and protection of water bodies and recharging ground water. 

Ministry of Urban Development has also taken steps for prevention of pollution, conservation and restoration of lakes in urban areas. In 2013, the Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organization (CPHEEO), the technical wing of the Ministry, has come up with an advisoryon conservation and restoration of water bodies. 

In the wake of frequent recent floods in urban localities in India as well as international recognition of urban wetlands significance, Ramsar Convention has recognized this year as “Wetlands for Sustainable Urban Future”, the School of Water and Waste, AAETI, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is organizing a four days training on “Urban Wetlands Management”.  The participants will have the opportunity to interact with resource persons from both international and national institutions in this field such as IUCN, NEERI, Biome Environmental Solutions, Centre for Inland Waters in South Asia and Wetlands International. 

The four days short term residential training is being organized at CSE’s newly built state-of-art facility, AAETI at Nimli, Rajasthan. AAETI is a learning, training and innovation centre designed to find appropriate and affordable solutions to some of the most pressing environmental problems. To read more please click here.

Aim
The aim of the training is to develop capacity of various stakeholders on conservation, restoration, planning and management of wetlands for water and environmental sustainability in urban areas.

Objectives

• Improved knowledge on urban wetlands management – the concepts, tools and techniques.
• Develop skills in mapping of wetlands (and its catchment) and cleaning of urban lakes/wetlands.
• Understanding of wetlands as a source of urban water supply, groundwater recharge and wastewater treatment
• Prepare Urban Wetland /Lake /Flood plain Management Plan.

Training Methodology
The trainings style is considerably based on the ‘Harvard Case Method’, which conveys teaching messages through interactive practical work done by trainees. The trainings will be focused on experiential learning – including individual/group interaction, practical group exercises, interaction with experts, discussions, field visit and documentary films to highlight the best management practices successfully implemented. Furthermore, the trainings are complimented by sessions and discussions on existing case studies which demonstrate the recommended actions and interventions for sustainable water and sanitation management.

Field Visit
The training programmewill have dedicated sessions for field visits to have practical visibility of the best management practices for Urban Wetlands Management.

Special Offers
Participants who would be selected for the training programme would either get full or part scholarship. The selection would be based on participants’ eligibility, credentials, supporting documents and probability of transforming the learnings from training into implementation “becoming a change-agent".

Female participants, candidates from Economically Weaker Sections, Government institutions and sanitation alliance partners are specially encouraged to apply and avail the scholarship benefits.

Full scholarship includes travel, boarding & lodging costs and training kit & fees costs. Accommodation on double sharing basis and group pick-up & drop for local travel from pre-defined locations.

Part Fellowship doesn't include to & fro Delhi travel (from your respective location) costs. However, it covers all other costs mentioned above.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be informed. 

It is mandatory to provide letter of motivation and nomination/reference for processing your application.

The local travel details would be shared with the selected participants.

Who can apply?

• National and State Level Training Entities, PMUs supporting Smart City, AMRUT and HRIDAY Mission.
• City officials from urban local bodies, development authorities, water supply and sewerage boards and public health department
• Representatives from state level institutions involved in urban water management and pollution abatement
• Candidates from community based organisations, NGOs and institutions working for conservation of water bodies
• Faculty and students from academic and capacity building institutions in the environment sector
• Urban planners, engineers, consultants, independent researchers etc.

Course Coordinator:

Chhavi Sharda
Deputy Programme Manager, Water Programme
+91-11-40616000 (Ext: 244),
Email: chhavi@cseindia.org 

Rudresh Kumar Sugam
Senior Programme Manager, Water Programme
+91-11-40616000 (Ext: 389),
Email:rudresh.sugam@cseindia.org                                                                                     

Dr. Suresh Kumar Rohilla, Senior Director& Academic Director,
(School of Water and Waste, Anil Agarwal Environment Training Institute – AAETI).
srohilla@cseindia.org