India has the largest network of wetlands and Ramsar sites in South Asia, with 49 sites totaling 10,93,636 hectares as of February 2022. There are a total of 27,403 wetlands in India, with 23,444 inland wetlands and 3,959 coastal wetlands. Wetlands cover around 4.63 percent of India's land area, with paddy cultivation accounting for 70% of that. In India, natural wetlands include high-altitude wetlands in the Himalayas, flood plains of major river systems, saline and transient wetlands in dry and semi-arid regions, and coastal wetlands such as lagoons, backwaters, estuaries, mangroves, swamps, and coral reefs, among others. Wetlands are among the most biologically diverse environments on the planet, supporting a varied spectrum of plant and animal species. This article will explain to you about the Wetland in India which will be helpful in Environment preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

What is a Wetland Ecosystem?

• Wetland ecosystems are transitional zones between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems (Ecotone).
• The wetlands are generally classified into coastal and inland wetlands on the location of the area and natural and man-made wetlands on the basis of the nature of formation.
• The Ramsar convention on wetlands defines wetlands as:
• as an area of marsh, fen, peatland,
• temporary or permanent, formed naturally or artificially,
• This includes fresh, brackish, or saltwater
• Where the depth of marine water at low tide will not exceed six meters of height.

Wetlands in India

• Under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has notified the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 as a legislative framework for the conservation and management of wetlands in India.
• This is an important step toward conserving, managing, and maintaining the natural character of wetlands while allowing for appropriate use.
• India has the largest network of Ramsar sites in South Asia, with 49 sites totaling 10,93,636 hectares as of February 2022.
• There are around 2400 Ramsar sites around the world, encompassing 2.5 million square kilometers.
• Wetlands designated as Ramsar areas are protected by the convention's rigorous requirements.
• Wetlands occupy roughly 4.6 percent of India's total area, encompassing 15.26 million hectares.

Total Wetlands in India

Related Initiatives

International Level Initiatives

• India is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, which governs wetlands around the world.
• It is an intergovernmental convention that establishes a framework for national and international action to conserve and wisely use wetlands and their resources.
• The three pillars of Ramsar wetlands conservation of 1975 include
• Work to make the best possible use of all of their wetlands.
• Cooperate on transboundary wetlands, shared wetland systems, and shared species on a global scale.
• Select appropriate wetlands for inclusion on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance and ensure their effective management.

National Level Initiatives

National Wetland Conservation Programme

• The National Wetlands Conservation Programme (NWCP) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change for the purpose of preventing the nation's wetlands from further deterioration and ensuring their judicious usage for the benefit of local people and the general conservation of biodiversity.
• The National Wetlands Conservation Programme (NWCP) was implemented in 1985-86.
• Wetland management is the responsibility of state governments/ UT administrations because the land resources belong to them.
• The Ministry has designated 115 wetlands in 24 States and 2 Union Territories of the nation for conservation and management under the National Wetlands Conservation Programme (NWCP).
• It also provides state governments with guidelines and financial and technical aid.
• The criteria for identifying wetlands of national significance under the NWCP are the same as under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
• The overall coordination of wetland conservation programs is the responsibility of the central government.

Wetlands Conservation and Management Rules, 2017

• Under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) have notified the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
• It is a legislative framework for the conservation and management of wetlands in India. This is an important step toward conserving, managing, and maintaining the natural character of wetlands while allowing for appropriate use.
• These laws increase the institutional framework for environmental issues by establishing State/UT Wetland Authorities and a National Wetland Committee.
• The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017 have shifted the focus of wetlands management from the federal government to state governments.
• The rules give the National Wetland Committee an advising body.
• It directs state bodies on integrated wetlands management based on the wise-use principle and reviews the development of integrated management of Ramsar Convention sites, among other things.

National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems (NPCA)

• The National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems (NPCA) is a single conservation organization that protects both wetlands and lakes.
• The National Lake Conservation Plan and the National Wetlands Conservation Programme were merged in 2015 to form this centrally-sponsored scheme, which is now being executed by the environment ministry.
• It includes activities such as wastewater interception, diversion, and treatment, shoreline protection, lakefront development, in-situ cleanings such as desilting and de-weeding, stormwater management, bioremediation, catchment area treatment, lake beautification, survey & demarcation, bio-fencing, fisheries development, weed control, biodiversity conservation, education and awareness, community participation, and more.
• The central support under the NPCA plan is dependent on proposals submitted from state governments, compliance with standards, and budget availability.

National Wetland Inventory and Assessment (NWIA)

• Concerns about how India's wetlands are being altered have led to the creation of the "National Wetland Inventory and Assessment (NWIA)" initiative.
• The goal of this program is to raise awareness about the value of the wetlands that dot the Indian landscape and to compile a database of current wetlands in India.
• The National Wetland Classification system will be used to delineate and map wetlands in India's current wetland inventory.
• Aside from wetlands, the Wetland Classification System also includes deep-water habitats and impoundments.

Importance of Wetlands in India

Source of Water

• Wetlands provide our primary source of freshwater.
• Aquifer-stored groundwater makes for over 95 percent of all available freshwater and is the most important source of drinking water and irrigation.
• Several wetlands aid in the absorption of rainwater and the recharge of groundwater.
• Freshwater is used for domestic use, irrigation, and source of drinking.

Buffer Zone for Flood and Storm

• Wetlands act as a flood buffer and help to alleviate droughts.
• Wetlands act as sponges in the upper parts of a basin, absorbing rainfall and snowmelt and allowing water to gently percolate into the soil.
• Storm surges and tidal waves can be mitigated by coastal wetlands such as mangroves, coral reefs, mudflats, and estuaries, which operate as physical barriers.
• River floodplains act as natural storage reservoirs, allowing excess water to spread out over a large area, reducing the depth and speed of the water.
• Mangroves and coastal wetlands aid in the stabilization of the shoreline and the prevention of erosion.
• The Kalinga super cyclone, which slammed Odisha in 1999, wreaked havoc on the whole coastline. When compared to villages with few or no mangroves, it was discovered that villages with mangroves had fewer casualties.

Wetland Products

• Coastal wetlands provide over two-thirds of fish, one of the most important sources of animal protein.
• Wetlands that are well-managed can supply a varied range of plants, animals, and minerals.
• Wetlands produce more than three-quarters of Asia's rice. Many mangrove swamps, like the Sundarbans, produce honey.
• Medicinal characteristics can be found in a variety of wetland plants.
• Wetlands also provide a source of income for a huge number of people, particularly those who live along their shorelines.

Water Purifier

• Wetlands aid in water purification by trapping contaminants in sediments and plants. Wetlands can drastically lower high levels of pollutants such as phosphorus and nitrogen, which are frequently associated with agricultural runoff.
• Pesticides, industrial discharge, and mining all produce harmful compounds, which many wetland plants can eliminate.
• Floating plants like Water Hyacinth, Duckweed, and Azolla can store iron and copper from wastewater in their tissues.
• Continuous trash discharge over the carrying capacity of wetlands, on the other hand, might result in environmental disasters.

Research and Education

• Wetlands are fantastic places to learn about aquatic ecosystems and conduct research.
• Habitat diversity, ecosystem complexity, and broad social and cultural ties make them ideal for the multi-disciplinary study of nature-society interactions.
• Example: Bhitarkanika Mangroves Odisha, Bhoj wetlands Madhya Pradesh.

Recreational Source

• Wetlands are wonderful relaxation and tourism sites because of their natural beauty and diversity of plant and animal life.
• Example: Mandawali village NCT Delhi is a recreational site.

Combat Climate Change

• Climate change is threatening wetlands, as well as various other ecosystems.
• These ecosystems, on the other hand, can help moderate and adapt to climate change.
• Some wetlands, such as mangroves and salt marshes, operate as carbon sinks, preventing hazardous greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere.
• Wetland conservation is particularly critical for ensuring the habitat of aquatic animals that are threatened by climate change.
• Water supply in wetlands is anticipated to become more variable in the future, wetlands' ability to absorb and hold water, as well as regulate floods and storms, are critical capabilities that can help mitigate the effects of climate change.
• Example: Ashtamudi wetlands Kerala, Chilika Lake Odisha.

Habitats of Migratory Birds

• Wetlands are used by migrating birds as a feeding, resting, and nesting stopover.
• Almost 2,000 bird species migrate regularly throughout the year, covering thousands of kilometers between breeding and non-breeding places to avoid the severe winters of the arctic and temperate zones.
• The Central Asian and East Australasian Flyways are linked by Indian wetlands.
• Example: Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary, Ashtamudi wetlands Kerala.

Biodiversity Hotspots

• Several wetlands serve as habitats for a variety of endemic and near-endangered species.
• Over 70% of the world's threatened Great Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) population is confined to Kaziranga National Park in Assam's grasslands and marshes.
• The only known natural home of the globally endangered Brow-antlered Deer is Keibul Lamjao, a floating national park south of Loktak (Rucervus eldii).
• Chilika is home to a robust population and is one of only two lagoons in the world where endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins can be found (Orcaella brevirostris).
• The highly endangered Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) has the biggest remaining population in Central India, around River Son, Girwa, and Chambal.
• Example: Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary Tamilnadu.

Challenges in Wetland Conservation in India

• Changes in natural hydrological regimes Water regimes influence wetlands' biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
• Reduced water availability, changing hydro-period, loss of linkage with biodiversity areas, restricted nitrogen exchange, and other factors all contribute to the degradation of natural hydrological regimes.
• Catchment degradation depletes the water holding capacity in wetlands thus affecting the wetland ecosystem.
• The majority of India's inland wetlands have been overrun by exotic species, which have grown to be a nuisance and have had a significant impact on the local biota and ecological conditions.
• Example: Hyacinth (water hyacinth) is an invasive species introduced in India.
• Other factors like Unsustainable harvest of wetland resources, Overgrazing, Unsustainable water abstraction, and Mining (e.g. salt, sand, or laterite) also affects the wetland Ecosystem in India.

Steps to Improve Wetland Conservation in India

• In India attempts to restore wetlands began in 1987, and the government's primary focus was on biological conservation approaches rather than engineering solutions.
• It is encouraging to see the government, non-governmental organizations, and local communities working together to maintain our wetlands and achieve the Ramsar Convention's goals.
• A national wetland mapping project has also been launched as part of an integrated conservation strategy.
• The National Committee on Wetlands, Mangroves, and Coral Reefs, which was formed to advise the government on appropriate policies and strategies for wetlands conservation and management, has designated 93 wetlands as top priorities for conservation and management.
• Data Collection: Collecting and compiling information on various wetland properties and variables influencing the features.
• Health Monitoring of Wetland Ecosystem: Health monitoring Interventions to monitor wetlands so that policy frames can be made respectively in wetland management.
• Regular Check with adequate data to maintain wetlands' ability to sustain diversity and deliver ecosystem services.
• Community Participation: Activating communities and stakeholders to promote beneficial wetlands behavior.
• Local community participation can be effective in preserving the diversity of wetlands and the livelihood of the community.
• Compliance Mechanism: Ensuring compliance with various stakeholders and rules for wetland conservation can be effective in wetland management.
• Wetland Integrated Management: Promoting wetlands integration plans and sectoral development plans for better wetland management.

Conclusion

India's wetlands pose a severe threat due to natural and anthropogenic factors. There is an immediate need to Conserve the wetlands in India. Over the last four decades, India has lost about one-third of its natural wetlands due to pollution and over-exploitation of natural resources. According to estimations by Wetlands International South Asia, Hyderabad lost 55% of its wetlands due to inadequate waste management, Chennai lost 90% due to unplanned urbanization, Mumbai lost 71%, and Delhi lost 38% due to development and pollution eutrophication. Wetlands are disappearing at three times the rate of trees. Hence an integrated wetlands management system needs to be adopted with existing stakeholders to strategically and better implement the wetland management.

FAQs 

Q1: What are wetlands?

Q2: Why are wetlands important for the environment?

Q3: What are Ramsar sites in India?

Q4: What is the role of wetlands in flood management?

Q5: How does India manage and protect its wetlands?

MCQs

1. Which convention is associated with the protection of wetlands?

A) Montreal Protocol

B) Kyoto Protocol

C) Ramsar Convention

D) Stockholm Convention

2. Which of the following is a Ramsar site in India?

A) Chilika Lake

B) Ganga River

C) Mount Everest

D) Narmada River

3. Which of these functions is NOT associated with wetlands?

A) Carbon sequestration

B) Water purification

C) Emission of toxic gases

D) Flood control

4. What is the main objective of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017?

A) To develop wetlands for commercial use

B) To restrict human activities in wetlands

C) To protect and conserve wetlands in India

D) To allow unrestricted tourism

5. Which of the following is an example of an inland wetland?

A) Coral reefs

B) Mangroves

C) Marshes

D) Seagrass beds

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the ecological and economic significance of wetlands in India.

Answer: Wetlands are essential ecosystems supporting biodiversity by providing habitat to numerous species, including migratory birds. They aid in flood control, groundwater recharge, and water purification. Economically, wetlands support agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, providing livelihood to communities. As carbon sinks, they mitigate climate change by absorbing greenhouse gases. However, threats like urbanization, pollution, and climate change necessitate robust conservation efforts to preserve these ecosystems and their benefits.

Q2. Examine the threats faced by wetlands in India and suggest measures for their conservation.

Answer: Wetlands in India face threats from urban expansion, pollution, encroachment, and agricultural runoff. Overextraction of water and climate change further degrade these ecosystems. Conservation measures include enforcing the Wetlands Rules, 2017, promoting sustainable land use, reducing pollution sources, and involving local communities in protection efforts. Ramsar site designation enhances international support, while restoration projects and sustainable tourism practices help safeguard wetlands.

Q3. Analyze the role of the Ramsar Convention in wetland conservation and its impact on India.

Answer: The Ramsar Convention encourages global cooperation for wetland conservation, designating sites with ecological significance. India, with over 40 Ramsar sites, benefits from increased awareness, funding, and research for sustainable management. The convention’s guidelines help India improve its conservation policies, although challenges in enforcement and resource allocation remain. Strengthening Ramsar site management can enhance biodiversity protection, water security, and climate resilience.

Previous Year Questions on  Wetlands in India

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020

Question: Which of the following Ramsar sites in India is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

a) Keoladeo National Park

b) Sundarbans

c) Loktak Lake

d) Wular Lake

Answer: b) Sundarbans

Explanation: The Sundarbans, a Ramsar site, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique mangrove ecosystem and rich biodiversity, providing habitat to numerous species, including the Bengal tiger.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2018

Question: Explain the role of wetlands in climate change mitigation and discuss the steps taken by India to protect its wetlands.

Answer: Wetlands help in climate change mitigation by acting as carbon sinks, absorbing large amounts of CO₂, thus reducing atmospheric greenhouse gases. Wetlands also store water, regulate temperature, and prevent soil erosion. India has taken steps like the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, and designating Ramsar sites to protect these ecosystems. Localized efforts such as restoration projects, pollution control, and sustainable tourism contribute further. Integrating wetland conservation with climate policies can enhance their role in combating climate change while ensuring biodiversity conservation.