Introduction
Wetlands are among the most productive and vital ecosystems on Earth, supporting biodiversity, water purification, flood control, and carbon sequestration. Despite their ecological significance, wetlands face severe threats due to urbanization, pollution, and climate change. Conservation efforts are crucial to sustaining these ecosystems for future generations.
What Are Wetlands?
Wetlands are transitional zones between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, characterized by the presence of water—either permanently or seasonally. They include marshes, swamps, bogs, mangroves, and floodplains. These areas support unique flora and fauna adapted to waterlogged conditions.
International Definition and Convention on Wetlands
The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, is the primary international treaty for wetland conservation. It defines wetlands as:
"Areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters."
The Convention promotes wise use of wetlands and designates Ramsar Sites—wetlands of international importance.
Montreux Record
The Montreux Record is a register of Ramsar Sites facing ecological changes due to human interference. In India, two wetlands are listed:
1. Loktak Lake (Manipur) – Threatened by pollution and hydropower projects.
2. Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) – Affected by water scarcity and invasive species.
Case Study: Loktak Lake
- Issue: Phumdis (floating biomass) are shrinking due to the Ithai Barrage, affecting fish populations and the livelihoods of local fishermen.
- Government Action: The Loktak Development Authority (LDA) was formed, but conservation efforts remain inadequate due to conflicting interests.
Indian Initiatives for Wetland Conservation
India has taken several steps to protect wetlands:
1. National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP, 1985)
- Aims to conserve critical wetlands through state partnerships.
- Case Study: Chilika Lake (Odisha) – Restoration efforts increased fish stocks and reduced salinity imbalance, benefiting local fishermen.
2. Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017
- Prohibits activities like waste dumping, industrialization, and reclamation in notified wetlands.
- Case Study: East Kolkata Wetlands – Despite being a Ramsar Site, illegal construction persists due to weak enforcement.
3. Amrit Dharohar Scheme (2023)
- Focuses on sustainable use of Ramsar Sites by promoting eco-tourism and livelihood opportunities.
- Example: Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan) is being developed for salt production while conserving bird habitats.
4. Amrit Sarovar Scheme (2022)
- Part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, aims to develop 75 water bodies in each district (total ~50,000 lakes/wetlands).
- Progress Report (2024): Over 25,000 water bodies rejuvenated, improving groundwater recharge.
- Case Study: Sukhana Lake (Chandigarh) – Desiltation and plantation improved water retention.
Important Ramsar Sites in India
India has 91 Ramsar Sites (as of 2025), including:
- Sundarbans (West Bengal) – Largest mangrove forest, critical for tigers and coastal protection.
- Vembanad-Kol Wetland (Kerala) – Longest lake, supports rice cultivation (Kuttanad farming).
- Kaziranga National Park (Assam) – Protects one-horned rhinos and floodplain ecosystems.
In June 2025, India added two new wetlands to its list of Ramsar sites: Khichan and Menar, both in Rajasthan, bringing the total to 91. These additions mean Rajasthan now has four Ramsar sites, joining Sambhar Salt Lake and Keoladeo National Park. Tamil Nadu has highest number of wetlands in India (20). (as of July 2025). India has highest number of wetlands in Asia. UK has highest number of wetlands in the world (175 se of July 2025)
Importance of Wetlands
1. Biodiversity Hotspots – Example: Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary hosts Siberian cranes.
2. Water Filtration – Case Study: Dal Lake (J&K) – Sewage entry has degraded water quality.
3. Flood Control – Example: Chennai floods (2015) worsened due to wetland destruction.
4. Carbon Sequestration – Fact: Peatlands store twice as much carbon as forests.
5. Livelihoods – Case Study: Pulicat Lake (AP/TN) – Supports 50,000 fishermen.
Challenges to Wetlands in India
- Encroachment – Example: Bellandur Lake (Bengaluru) – Foam fires due to industrial waste.
- Pollution – Case Study: Ulsoor Lake (Bengaluru) – Heavy metal contamination from untreated sewage.
- Climate Change – Example: Sundarbans face rising salinity due to sea-level rise.
- Legal Gaps – Only ~1% of India’s wetlands are legally protected.
Legal Protections and Remedies
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) – Case Study: Deepor Beel (Assam) – EIA halted a railway project threatening the wetland.
- Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) – Example: Nalsarovar (Gujarat) has a 1-km ESZ buffer.
- National Green Tribunal (NGT) Interventions – Case Study: NGT fined Delhi for neglecting Najafgarh Jheel.
Implications of Wetland Destruction
- Increased Flooding – Example: Mumbai’s Mithi River floods due to concretization.
- Loss of Biodiversity – Case Study: Hirakud Reservoir (Odisha) – Reduced fish diversity due to siltation.
- Carbon Release – Fact: Draining peatlands emits 5% of global CO₂.
- Water Scarcity – Example: Hyderabad’s Hussainsagar Lake is shrinking due to urban sprawl.
Way Forward for Sustainable Wetland Conservation
1. Community Participation – Example: Kolleru Lake (AP) – Locals restored it through aquaculture regulation.
2. Strict Enforcement of Laws – Need: Dedicated wetland authorities in each state.
3. Restoration Projects – Case Study: Ousteri Lake (Puducherry) – Desiltation improved water storage.
4. Awareness Campaigns – World Wetlands Day (Feb 2) should be promoted in schools.
5. Climate-Resilient Policies – Integrate wetlands into National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
Conclusion
Wetlands are indispensable for ecological balance, climate regulation, and human survival. Protecting them requires global cooperation, strong policies, and public awareness. By conserving wetlands today, we ensure water security and biodiversity for future generations.
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