Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 have been made official by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in accordance with the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These rules serve as the legal foundation for the conservation and management of wetlands in India. This is an important step toward preserving the natural integrity of the wetlands while allowing for judicious use. Through State/UT Wetland Authorities and a National Wetland Committee, these regulations reinforce the institutional structure for environmental issues in the law. This article will explain to you about the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017 which will be helpful in preparing the Environment Syllabus for the UPSC Civil Service exam.

What are Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017?

• For effective conservation and management of wetlands in the country, the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 supersede the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010.
• The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 act as the regulatory framework for the conservation and management of wetlands in India.
• The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017, changed the management of wetlands away from a central body and toward state-level organisations.
• The regulations outline the National Wetland Committee's advisory duty, which includes reviewing the development of integrated management of Ramsar Convention areas as well as advising state agencies on the wise-use concept when it comes to wetlands.
• In order to assist State Governments and Union Territory (UT) Administrations in implementing the Rules, the Guidelines for the Rules have been developed.
• They offer guidance on a number of different topics, including:
  • identifying wetlands for notification under the Rules
  • delineating wetlands
  • wetland complexes, and zones of influence
  • preparing a Brief Document
  • creating a list of activities to be regulated and permitted
  • addressing the structure and operational issues of the Wetlands Authority.

Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017 - Salient Features

• It specifies that a State Wetland Authority (SWA) be established in each state and union territory, to be led by the state's environment minister.
• A variety of government representatives will be present. Hydrology, socioeconomics, landscape design, fisheries, and wetland ecology each had one specialist.
• They will choose the "smart use principle" that will control how wetlands are managed.
• The principles of sustainable use that are acceptable to conservation are referred to as "wise use." Powers have been decentralised as a result of this.
• The SWA must compile a thorough list of the activities that must be governed and approved in the notified wetlands and their zone of influence.
  • Add further activities that should be forbidden in some wetlands.
  • Develop plans for a more effective use of wetlands.
  • Recommend actions to protect wetlands and to increase local communities' and stakeholders' knowledge of the significance of wetlands.
• The Central Wetlands Regulatory Authority will be replaced by the National Wetland Committee (NWC), which will be led by the MoEFCC secretary.
• The rules forbid activities like encroachment of any kind, the establishment and growth of industries, waste disposal, and the discharge of untreated wastes and effluents from businesses, cities, towns, villages, and other human settlements.
• State authorities are required to compile a list of all wetlands and a list of wetlands that need to be informed within six months.
• It will serve as the foundation for the creation of an exhaustive digital inventory of all wetlands, which will be updated every 10 years.

Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017 - Shortcomings

• River channels, paddy fields, man-made water bodies/tanks specifically constructed for drinking water purposes, and structures specifically constructed for aquaculture, salt production, recreation, and irrigation purposes are not included in the 2017 rules' definition of wetland.
• According to this new definition (excluding the aforementioned wetlands), nearly 65 percent of the country's wetlands will lose their status.
  • Because they are not considered wetlands, the management and protection granted to river channels and man-made wetlands will be ineffective.
• Wetlands are defined and included by the respective state or territory. This may result in a lack of consistency in defining and conserving the country's wetlands.
• In the 2017 Rules, the older provision of appealing to the National Green Tribunal no longer exists.
• There is also no timetable for eliminating the dumped of solid waste and untreated waste into wetlands.
• The new rules do not take into account the Supreme Court's decision in Jagpal Singh vs. State of Punjab (2011) for the restoration of encroached wetlands across the country.
• Understanding multiple-use regimes is important for wetland conservation, but so is preserving and managing the wetland ecosystem's integrity.

Centre for Wetland Conservation and Management (CWCM)

• The facility opened on World Wetland Day in 2021 (February 2, 2021).
• It is a component of the Chennai-based National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), which is run by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change.
• The goal of the centre is to work toward the management, restoration, and conservation of India's wetlands.
• The specialised Centre would aid in filling knowledge gaps and particular research demands.
• The State/UT Wetland Authorities, wetland users, managers, academics, policy-makers, and practitioners might all exchange knowledge through this knowledge portal.
• It will facilitate the formation of alliances and networks with pertinent regional, national, and international organisations.
• Additionally, it will help with the implementation of integrated techniques for wetlands protection, management, and sensible usage.
• Additionally, it would help the federal, state, and local governments with the development and application of legislative and policy frameworks, management planning, monitoring, and focused wetlands conservation research.

National Wetland Committee (NWC)

• NWC (National Wetland Committee) will be established for:
  • Observing how regulations are being applied.
  • Advising the national government on the best policies and strategies to implement in order to conserve and use wetlands wisely.
  • Recommending that wetlands be designated as having international significance under the Ramsar Convention.
  • Advise cooperation with international organisations on wetlands-related concerns.
• Activity restrictions: The regulations forbid the dumping of solid trash into wetlands as well as the discharge of undesirable material from towns, cities, businesses, and other locations.
  • It is prohibited to use a wetland area for non-wetland uses or to build a permanent structure there.

Importance of Wetlands

• A vital component of our natural environment are wetlands.
• They reduce flood damage, safeguard coastlines, increase community preparedness for catastrophes, filter pollutants, and enhance water quality.
• The survival of humans and the world depends on wetlands. They are the main source of income for more than 1 billion individuals.
• They are an essential source of hydropower, food, raw materials, and genetic materials for medications.
• Peatland stores 30% of the carbon produced by land (a type of wetlands).
• They are crucial for travel, tourism, and people's cultural and spiritual wellbeing.
• Numerous wetlands are beautiful natural locations that hold significance for Aboriginal people.

Threats to the Wetlands

• Wetlands are the most endangered ecosystem, according to the IPBES's (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) assessment of the world.
• Due to human activity and global warming, wetland areas are disappearing three times more quickly than forests.
• 40% of the world's flora and wildlife live or breed in wetlands, and UNESCO predicts that the danger to wetlands will have a negative effect on them.
• Agriculture, development, pollution, and climate change pose the biggest dangers.

Status of Wetlands in India

• India has 54 sites recognised as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites).
• Wetlands designated as Ramsar areas are protected by the convention's rigorous rules.
  • Currently, there are more than 2,300 Ramsar Sites worldwide.
  • In July 2022 five new Ramsar sites (Wetlands of International Importance) were annonced.
• Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest and Pichavaram Mangrove in Tamil Nadu, Sakhya Sagar in Madhya Pradesh, and Pala Wetlands in Mizoram are the five new Ramsar sites.
• The National Wetland Committee was established in 2017 to serve in an advisory capacity in place of the Central Wetland Regulatory Authority, which was established under the 2010 version of the Rules.
• Backwaters, lagoons, creeks, and estuaries were among the things that the more recent laws excluded from the concept of "wetlands."
• The task to identify the wetlands has been given to the States under the 2017 regulations.

Conclusion

These rules apply to wetlands that have been notified by the state government, the central government, the union territory administrations, and those that have been designated as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar convention. This is an important step toward conserving, managing, and maintaining the ecological character of wetlands without limiting their wise use. These rules strengthen the institutional framework for environmental concerns by establishing State / UT Wetland Authorities and a National Wetland Committee.

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Explain the significance of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 for sustainable development in India.

Answer: Wetlands play a vital role in sustaining ecosystems by providing water filtration, biodiversity conservation, flood control, and livelihood support. The 2017 rules emphasize sustainable management by decentralizing wetland governance to state authorities, facilitating more efficient conservation efforts. They prohibit activities like encroachment and pollution while allowing traditional sustainable practices. The rules align with global conservation efforts, such as the Ramsar Convention, ensuring that India's rich wetland ecosystems are preserved for future generations. This policy is crucial in mitigating climate change impacts, ensuring water security, and promoting environmental sustainability.

Q2: Discuss the challenges in the implementation of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.

Answer: The implementation of the 2017 rules faces several challenges, such as lack of coordination between state and local authorities, inadequate funding, and limited awareness about the ecological importance of wetlands. Additionally, rapid urbanization and industrial activities continue to threaten wetlands. Monitoring and enforcement mechanisms need strengthening to prevent encroachments and illegal dumping. Furthermore, balancing conservation with livelihood needs of local communities is a complex task. Effective implementation requires capacity building, increased public awareness, and active community participation to protect wetlands.

Q3: Analyze the role of wetlands in biodiversity conservation and climate regulation.

Answer: Wetlands are biodiversity hotspots that provide habitats for numerous species of plants, animals, and microorganisms. They act as breeding grounds for migratory birds and support aquatic ecosystems. Wetlands also play a significant role in climate regulation by acting as carbon sinks, reducing the impacts of greenhouse gases. Additionally, they mitigate the effects of floods by absorbing excess water and replenishing groundwater reserves. Preserving wetlands is essential not only for biodiversity conservation but also for combating climate change and ensuring ecological resilience.

Previous Year Questions on  Wetlands Rules 2017

1. UPSC CSE 2018

Qustion: Discuss the importance of the Ramsar Convention in the context of wetland conservation in India.

Answer: The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971, provides a framework for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. India, a signatory to the convention, has designated several Ramsar sites, highlighting their ecological significance. These sites include Chilika Lake, Loktak Lake, and Keoladeo National Park. The convention encourages member countries to maintain the ecological character of wetlands and integrate wetland conservation into national policies. In India, Ramsar sites face threats from encroachment, pollution, and climate change. The convention plays a critical role by promoting international cooperation and best practices in wetland management. Its emphasis on sustainable development aligns with India’s goals of balancing environmental conservation with economic growth.

2. UPSC CSE 2020

Question: Evaluate the effectiveness of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 in addressing environmental challenges.

Answer: The 2017 Wetland Rules represent a progressive step toward sustainable wetland conservation by empowering state authorities and encouraging decentralized management. The rules address key environmental challenges such as pollution, habitat destruction, and encroachment by prohibiting harmful activities. However, their effectiveness is limited by challenges in enforcement, lack of public awareness, and competing developmental pressures. While the rules provide a legal framework, successful conservation requires strengthening monitoring mechanisms and ensuring community participation. The integration of these rules with policies related to climate change and water management can further enhance their effectiveness. Therefore, while the 2017 rules offer a solid foundation, continuous efforts are required to realize their full potential in tackling environmental challenges.