The Parvati Arga Wetland, where World Wetlands Day 2025 was celebrated, is located in which Indian state?

The correct answer is Uttar Pradesh. Key Points The Parvati Arga Wetland is located in the Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh. It is a permanent freshwater environment consisting of two oxbow lakes, Parvati and Arga, which are part of the Sarayu River's historical floodplains. In 2025, the national-level celebration of World Wetlands Day (observed annually on February 2nd) was hosted at the Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary to highlight the importance of wetland conservation in India. The site was designated as a Ramsar Site in December 2019, recognizing it as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. The wetland serves as a critical habitat for a variety of flora and fauna, particularly migratory birds that use the Central Asian Flyway. It supports several globally threatened species, including the critically endangered White-rumped Vulture and Indian Vulture, as well as the Egyptian Vulture. Ecologically, the wetland plays a vital role in groundwater recharge and flood control, acting as a natural sponge for the surrounding agricultural landscapes. The World Wetlands Day 2025 event focused on the theme of "Wetlands and Climate Change," emphasizing the role of these ecosystems in carbon sequestration and disaster risk reduction. Uttar Pradesh is home to a significant number of Ramsar sites, second only to Tamil Nadu, making it a pivotal state for India's ecological preservation strategies. The celebration at Parvati Arga involved the participation of local communities, conservationists, and government officials to promote the "Save Wetlands" movement. Additional Information Bihar: This state is home to the Kanwar Lake (Kabartal) , which is Bihar's first and only Ramsar site. It is one of the largest freshwater oxbow lakes in Asia and a significant stopover for migratory birds. Assam: Assam hosts the Deepor Beel , a permanent freshwater lake and a Ramsar site located near Guwahati. It is ecologically vital for its diverse bird population and its role in supporting local fishing communities. Madhya Pradesh: The state boasts several Ramsar sites, including the Bhoj Wetland in Bhopal, which consists of the Upper and Lower Lakes. Other notable sites in the state include Sakhya Sagar, Sirpur Wetland, and Yashwant Sagar . World Wetlands Day: It marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar.