Forests & Climate Change Notified New Wetland Rules 2017
What Are Wetland?
Wetland is one of the following:
Transitional land between terrestrial and aquatic eco-systems where water table is usually at or near surface
Land covered by shallow water
Why Are Wetlands Important?
Supports rich biodiversity and provides wide range of ecosystem services such as water storage, water purification, flood mitigation, erosion control, aquifer recharge etc.
Wetlands in India
115 wetlands officially identified by Government of which 26 identified as wetlands of international importance under Ramsar Convention.
Threats to Wetlands
Wetlands are threatened:
Reclamation and degradation due to activities like drainage and landfill
Pollution
Hydrological alteration
Over-exploitation
This is causing loss of biodiversity and disruption in ecosystem services.
Highlights of New Rules
State Wetlands Authority (SWA)
Stipulates SWA headed by State՚s environment minister.
State government nominate one expert in each fields of wetland ecology, hydrology, fisheries, landscape planning, and socioeconomics.
Functions of SWA
Develop comprehensive list of regulated and permitted activities within notified wetlands and their zone of influence.
Recommend additional prohibited activities for specific wetlands
Define strategies for use and its conservation of wetland
Enhance awareness within stakeholders and local communities on values and functions of wetlands.
Promote principle of sustainable uses compatible with conservation
Prohibited Activities
Prohibit activities like conversion of wetland for non-wetland uses:
Encroachment
Setting up and expansion of industries
Waste dumping
Discharge of untreated wastes and effluents from industries, cities, towns, and villages.
Digital Inventory of All Wetlands
Mandatory for state authorities to prepare list of all wetlands notified within six months.
Comprehensive digital inventory of all wetlands has to be created and updated every ten years.
National Wetlands Committee (NWC)
Stipulates setting up of NWC, headed by MoEFCC Secretary to:
Monitor rules and oversee work.
Advise Central Government on policies and action programmes for conservation and use of wetlands,
Recommend designation of wetlands of international importance under Ramsar Convention
Advise on collaboration with international agencies on issues related to wetlands