About the Wetlands
- Wetlands are the ‘kidneys of the Earth’ as they play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance, which includes conservation of biodiversity, purification of water, and climate regulation.
- These ecosystems comprise marshes, swamps, lakes, floodplains, mangroves, and coastal lagoons, all of which support a vast variety of flora and fauna.
- These wetlands cover approximately 4.8% of the total geographical area of India, and at least 6% of India’s population relies wholly on wetlands for their livelihood. Here, we have discussed in detail about Wetland conservation amid Climate Change, initiatives started by the government, and challenges.
Why Does it Need Mainstreaming in Conservation Policies?
- Biodiversity Hotspots: They support diverse flora and fauna, which includes migratory birds, fish, and amphibians. So, their loss threatens species dependent on such ecosystems.
- Flood Control and Climate Regulation: Floodplain wetlands and mangrove forests absorb excess floodwater and lessen the impact of disasters like cyclones and tsunamis.
- Water Purification and Groundwater Recharge: Wetlands are known as natural water filters, trapping pollutants and sediments. They also help replenish groundwater reserves.
- Livelihoods and Economy: Wetlands ensure millions of people their livelihoods, especially fishing communities.
- Cultural and Aesthetic Value: Many wetlands, being part of cultural heritage, serve as important sites for local communities.
Challenges in Wetland Conservation in India
- Urbanization and Encroachments: Unplanned urban expansion leads to encroachment, altering natural hydrology.
- Pollution from Industrial Effluents: Untreated sewage and industrial waste from factories’ outlet degrades water quality and aquatic ecosystems.
- Climate Change Impact: Climate change vagaries like erratic rainfall and rising temperatures, alter wetland hydrology.
- Unregulated Tourism and Overexploitation: Unbridled human activity leads to the destruction of habitat.
- Invasive Species Proliferation: Non-native species, like water hyacinth, choke wetlands, which harm biodiversity and local livelihoods.
- Lack of Awareness and Policy Implementation: Despite conservation laws, enforcement remains abysmal.
Initiatives for Wetland Conservation
- Legal Protection: Wetlands are protected under several national laws, including the Indian Forest Act (1927), the Forest (Conservation) Act (1980), and the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act (1972).
- Wetlands of India Portal by MoEFCC: Comprehensive information on India’s wetlands is available. It provides capacity-building materials, data repositories, and dashboards for each state and union territory.
- National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA): A central scheme for the protection of wetlands and lakes.
- Integration with Namami Gange: The Ministry of Jal Shakti emboldened the integration of wetland conservation with the Namami Gange program.
- National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has pioneered initiatives that serve as models for wetland conservation nationwide.
- Amrit Dharohar Scheme (Union Budget 2023-24): Optimization of wetland utilization over the next three years for enhancing biodiversity, increasing carbon stock, and boosting eco-tourism, in line with the government’s sustainable development vision.
- National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031): It aims to conserve inland aquatic ecosystems, including wetlands. Also, It advocates for a national wetlands mission to preserve these habitats.
- Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017: Framework to regulate activities around wetlands.
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Key Strategies for Wetland Conservation in India
- Integrating Wetland Conservation into Urban Planning: Smart city projects and infrastructure developments must consider wetland preservation.
- Example: The Amrit Sarovar Mission aims to rejuvenate water bodies within urban areas, integrating them into sustainable city planning.
- Strengthening Legal Protection: Enhancing enforcement of environmental laws and penalizing encroachment.
- Example: The Supreme Court’s intervention in the Deepor Beel Wetland, Assam, led to restrictions on dumping solid waste in the Ramsar site.
- Restoration & Scientific Research: Using advanced technology for wetland restoration and biodiversity conservation.
- Example: The Namami Gange Programme employs scientific approaches to rejuvenate wetlands along the Ganges.
- Community Participation: Local involvement in conservation efforts ensures sustainable management.
- Example: The Chilika Development Authority (CDA) involves local fishers in wetland governance, leading to successful conservation outcomes.
- Strengthening Policy Enforcement: Strict implementation of environmental laws is needed to prevent wetland degradation.
- Example: The National Green Tribunal (NGT)’s orders on Mansagar Lake, Jaipur, prevented construction activities that would harm the ecosystem.
- Funding & Incentives for Wetland Conservation: Providing financial support for conservation projects through CSR initiatives.
- Example: Amazon-ARGA MoU (2025) supports women entrepreneurs in wetland-based sustainable livelihoods.
- Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Livelihoods: Promoting wetlands as eco-tourism sites can generate revenue while ensuring protection.
- Scientific Monitoring and Research: Advanced technology should be used to assess wetland health and formulate data-driven policies.
- Example: ISRO’s National Wetland Inventory and Assessment (2022) provides crucial satellite-based insights into wetland conditions.
Conclusion
Wetlands are indispensable to India’s ecological and economic security. While India has taken commendable steps toward conservation, there is an urgent need to integrate wetland management into mainstream policymaking. By combining legal, scientific, and community-driven approaches, India can safeguard these vital ecosystems for future generations.