MoEF notifies rules for conservation of wetlands

The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) today notified the rules for the conservation of wetlands.

This, according to MOEF officals, will ensure better conservation and management and to prevent degradation of the existing wetlands in India.

“Research suggests that over-exploitation of fish resources, discharge of industrial effluents, fertilisers and pesticides and uncontrolled siltation and weed infestation, among other reasons, have wiped out or severely damaged over one-third of India’s wetlands,” the rules said.

“This is the first time that legally enforceable rules are being notified for such eco-sensitive areas in our country. This will go a long way in protecting our wetlands which are under severe threat,” said Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh.

“Separately we have also requested Isro and other institutions to undertake a comprehensive mapping exercise delineating all the wetlands in the country.” Under the rules, wetlands have been classified for better management and easier identification. Wetland regulatory authorities and appraisal committees have been set up at the central, state and district levels to ensure proper implementation of the rules and perform all functions for management of wetlands.

Apart from necessary government representatives, each of these bodies will have a number of expert members to ensure that wetland conservation was being carried out in the best possible manner. “Wetlands are critical for human development and well-being, especially in India where a large number of people are dependent on them for drinking water, food and for thei livelihood. Despite their immense importance, wetlands are one of the most degraded ecosystems globally,” the rules observed.

In order to ensure there was no further degradation of wetlands, the rules specify activities which are harmful to wetlands such as industrialisation, construction, dumping of untreated waste, reclamation and prohibit such activities in wetlands. Other activities such as harvesting and dredging, etc may be carried out in wetlands but only with prior permission from the concerned authorities, the rules said.