This article aims to discuss the recent decision made by the Indian Government to restore 130 wetlands as part of their National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA). The decision, which was made during the recent UN conference on combatting desertification, also included plans for integrated management from individual states and the introduction of a ‘Wetland Health Card’ to monitor progress. The Government’s commitment to community engagement is demonstrated through their proposal to form ‘Wetland Mitras’, a group of self-motivated individuals dedicated to taking care of the identified wetlands across the country.
Understanding Wetlands
Wetlands, which may be temporary or permanent, are recognized as land areas covered by water. Marshes, fens, and peatlands fall under this category. They play an integral role in flood control, contributing to the hydrological cycle, supplying water, and providing food, fibre, and raw materials. Wetlands are not only a valuable source of water but also essential ecosystems that counteract land degradation and desertification. Furthermore, they support hundreds of thousands of migratory birds from the colder regions of the world each summer. Given that mangroves protect coastlines and work as natural filters of pollutants, wetlands are often referred to as the kidneys of the ecosystem.
Wetlands in India
According to a national wetlands atlas produced by ISRO in 2011, satellite images have mapped over two lakh wetlands that cover approximately 4.63% of India’s total geographic area. Among the notable wetlands in India are Chilika lake in Odisha, Wular lake in Jammu and Kashmir, Renuka in Himachal Pradesh, Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan, and Deepor Beel in Assam. All of these are part of the 26 Indian wetlands listed under the Ramsar Convention, which recognizes 2,220 wetlands globally.
| Wetland | Location |
|---|---|
| Chilika Lake | Odisha |
| Wular Lake | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Renuka | Himachal Pradesh |
| Sambhar Lake | Rajasthan |
| Deepor Beel | Assam |
National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA)
The NPCA is a unique conservation initiative that assists both wetlands and lakes. This centrally sponsored scheme was implemented by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). The plan was developed in 2015 by integrating the National Lake Conservation Plan and the National Wetlands Conservation Programme. By combining these programs, the NPCA aims to facilitate improved synergy and prevent the overlap of administrative functions.
The Future of Wetlands in India
With the Government’s renewed commitment to wetland restoration and preservation, the future of India’s wetlands seems promising. The integrated management plans, when implemented efficiently, could lead to significant improvements in wetland health across the country. Furthermore, the introduction of the ‘Wetland Health Card’ could provide critical insights into the progress made and areas requiring additional attention.