The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 are the primary legal framework for wetland protection in India, notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These rules replaced the 2010 version, shifting the focus from centralized control to a decentralized, state-led model.
Definition of Wetlands under 2017 Rules
The rules define a wetland as an area of marsh, fen, peatland, or water; whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish, or salt.
- Low Tide Constraint: Includes areas of marine water where the depth does not exceed 6 meters at low tide.
- Key Exclusions (Crucial for Prelims): The definition specifically excludes:
- River channels.
- Paddy fields.
- Certain human-made water bodies (specifically those constructed for drinking water, aquaculture, salt production, recreation, and irrigation).
Institutional Framework: State vs. Central
The 2017 Rules decentralized the management of wetlands, giving more power to state-level authorities.
| Feature | Details |
| State Wetland Authority (SWA) | Established in each State/UT; headed by the State Environment Minister. It is the nodal agency for wetland identification and notification. |
| National Wetland Committee (NWC) | Replaced the Central Wetlands Regulatory Authority (CWRA). It acts as an advisory body to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). |
| Wetland Mitras | A voluntary community-based initiative under Mission Sahbhagita to involve local citizens in wetland monitoring and protection. |
Prohibited and Regulated Activities
The rules categorize activities to ensure “Wise Use” while preventing ecological degradation.
Prohibited Activities
- Encroachment: Conversion of wetlands for non-wetland uses like building construction.
- Solid Waste Dumping: Any form of waste disposal or discharge of untreated effluents and industrial waste.
- Industrialization: Setting up of new industries or expansion of existing ones within the wetland boundary.
- Poaching: Illegal killing or capturing of wildlife within the ecosystem.
Regulated Activities
- Activities not specifically prohibited require prior approval from the SWA.
- Traditional Use: Sustainable harvesting of resources (fish, fodder) by local communities is generally permitted under the principle of “Wise Use.”
Significant Government Initiatives (2023–2026)
India’s strategy has evolved from mere regulation to active restoration and livelihood integration.
- Amrit Dharohar Scheme: Launched in 2023 for a duration of three years. It aims to promote the “wise use” of Ramsar sites to enhance biodiversity, carbon stock, and eco-tourism. In 2026, it emphasizes shifting from high-volume tourism to high-value nature tourism.
- MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes): Focuses on mangrove plantation along the coastline and on salt pan lands, integrating MGNREGS and CAMPA funds.
- Save Wetlands Campaign: A “whole-of-society” approach launched to sensitize people on wetland conservation, aligning with Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).
- Health Cards for Wetlands: A scientific monitoring tool used to assess the ecological health of each Ramsar site based on parameters like water quality and biodiversity.
Important Facts for Prelims
- Total Ramsar Sites: India currently has 98 Ramsar Sites (as of April 2026), covering over 1.3 million hectares.
- Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- International Context: India is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention (1971). While the Convention provides a global framework, the 2017 Rules provide the domestic legal teeth.
- Montreux Record: This is a “red list” for Ramsar sites under threat. Currently, Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) and Loktak Lake (Manipur) are on this list. Chilika Lake was removed in 2002 after successful restoration.