Surat Set to Get its First Notified Wetlands

Surat : The “Diamond City” of Gujarat, Surat is about to add a new sparkle to its crown – not one made of precious stones, but of vibrant life. If all goes well, the city will soon boast its first notified wetlands, offering a haven for diverse flora and fauna amidst the urban sprawl.

“We are happy that the Surat Forest department has pitched for notifying Gavier lake as a wetland. Once approved by the State Government, this will be the first wetland in Surat City,” said Snehal Patel of Nature Club Surat (NCS), an NGO that has tirelessly conserved the lake for over three decades.

Gavier Lake, also known as Nirmala Wetland, is a testament to the power of community conservation. Located on the Surat-Dumas road and surrounded by concrete buildings, this oasis of biodiversity thrives thanks to the dedicated efforts of NCS. Over 120 bird species, including migratory wonders, flit through the skies, while 45 butterfly species flutter across the vibrant blooms. Reptiles, mammals, and countless other creatures find a home in this verdant haven.

NCS celebrates this vital ecosystem every year with the Wetland Photography Competition during World Wetland Day in February, a vibrant reminder of the importance of these fragile ecosystems.

But Gavier Lake isn’t the only one vying for official recognition. The Surat Forest department has also proposed the notification of a lake in Damka village, Hazira, on the city’s outskirts. This 60-hectare expanse is a haven for over 130 migratory bird species, including the graceful flamingoes and majestic cranes.

With these two potential additions, Surat is poised to become a beacon of environmental conservation within an urban landscape.

“Notifying these wetlands will not only protect their biodiversity but also provide much-needed green spaces for residents, fostering a connection with nature that transcends the concrete jungle” said an official from the Forest department.