“Wetlands are increasingly being recognised as national public goods rather than wastelands.” In this context, explain how India is safeguarding its wetlands. What are the further measures required? (15M, 250 Words)

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, acting as a critical interface between land and water. India, with over 27,000 wetlands covering about 18.4% of its geographical area, depends heavily on these ecosystems for water security, biodiversity conservation, disaster mitigation and livelihoods.

Importance of Wetlands:

Ecological significance:

1. Act as natural flood buffers, reducing runoff and moderating extreme rainfall events.
2. Enable groundwater recharge, nutrient cycling and water purification.
3. Support rich biodiversity, including migratory birds, fish and amphibians.
4. Function as major carbon sinks, aiding climate change mitigation.

Economic and social significance:

1. Support livelihoods through fisheries, agriculture (paddy cultivation), tourism and handicrafts.
2. Serve as genetic reservoirs for crops such as rice.
3. Promote eco-tourism and sustainable development.
4. Provide cost-effective nature-based solutions compared to grey infrastructure.

India’s efforts to safeguard its Wetlands:

1.    Legal and Regulatory Measures:

• Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017
  • Provide a framework for identification, notification and protection of wetlands.
  • Restrict activities such as reclamation, solid waste dumping and permanent construction.
• Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms: Protect mangroves, estuaries, lagoons and coastal wetlands from unregulated development.

2.   Policy interventions:

• National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA)
  • Integrates conservation of wetlands and lakes.
  • Focuses on restoration, biodiversity conservation and community participation.
• National Wetland Inventory and Mapping: Use of remote sensing and GIS for systematic mapping and monitoring.

3.   International Commitments:

• Ramsar Convention (1971):
  • India has designated multiple Ramsar Sites, committing to their wise use.
  • Ramsar recognition enhances visibility, funding access and scientific management.

4.   Nature-Based Solutions:

1. Promotion of mangroves, floodplains and urban wetlands as buffers against floods, cyclones and storm surges.
2. Integration of wetlands into climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategies.

Further measures required:

1.    Shift to Ecosystem-Based Governance:

• Move beyond cosmetic “beautification” projects to restoring ecological functionality.
• Adopt catchment- and landscape-level planning, addressing upstream-downstream linkages.

2.   Strengthen Institutional Capacity:

• Address shortages of trained professionals in hydrology, ecology, GIS and environmental law.
• Improve coordination across departments such as water, urban development, environment, and fisheries.

3.   Ensure Hydrological Integrity:

• Protect natural inflow and outflow channels of wetlands.
• Prevent infrastructure projects (roads, embankments, canals) that disrupt water regimes.

4.   Pollution Control and Waste Management:

• Ensure only treated sewage and effluents enter wetlands.
• Prevent wetlands from becoming dumping grounds for solid waste.

5.   Technology-Driven Monitoring:

• Use satellite imagery, drones and time-series data for real-time monitoring of encroachments and degradation.
• Link monitoring outcomes to enforcement and accountability.

6.   Strengthen Community Stewardship:

• Empower local communities as co-managers of wetlands.
• Promote sustainable livelihoods (fisheries, eco-tourism) aligned with conservation goals.

Conclusion:

Wetlands are not wastelands but natural capital central to achieving SDG-6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG-13 (Climate Action), SDG-14 & 15 (Life Below Water and on Land).

‘+1’ Value-Addition:

• 64% of world’s wetlands have disappeared since 1900
• East Kolkata Wetlands naturally treat 750 MLD of sewage, saving the city ₹200 crore annually in treatment costs.
• Mangroves reduce cyclone damage by 30–50% while Odisha’s mangrove restoration helped limit losses during Cyclone Fani.
• Wetlands store up to 30% of global soil carbon despite covering less than 10% of land area.

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