Comment on the National Wetland Conservation Programme initiated by the Government of India and name a few India's wetlands of international importance included in the Ramsar Sites.
The National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP), now integrated under the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA), is a crucial government initiative reflecting a growing understanding of the immense value of wetlands. For too long, wetlands were seen as wastelands, but this programme rightly acknowledges them as vital ecosystems that provide a host of services—from recharging groundwater and moderating floods to supporting rich biodiversity and providing livelihoods.
The programme's core philosophy is to promote the "wise use" of wetlands. It operates on a collaborative basis, providing financial and technical assistance to state governments for activities like surveys, catchment area treatment, pollution control, and biodiversity conservation. A key strength of the programme is its focus on a decentralised approach, encouraging the preparation of integrated management plans for specific wetlands, involving local communities in the process. This participatory model is essential for long-term success, as local people are the primary stakeholders and custodians of these ecosystems.
However, challenges like urban encroachment, pollution, and invasive species persist, requiring more stringent enforcement of regulations and greater public awareness.
India has made significant strides in getting its wetlands recognised globally under the Ramsar Convention. As of now, India has the largest network of Ramsar Sites in Asia. A few of India's wetlands of international importance include:
- Chilika Lake (Odisha): The largest coastal lagoon in India, a hotspot for migratory birds.
- Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan): A world-famous man-made wetland and bird sanctuary.
- Sundarban Wetland (West Bengal): The largest mangrove forest in the world, part of the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta.
- Vembanad-Kol Wetland (Kerala): The longest lake in India, supporting a vast population dependent on it for fishing and agriculture.
These sites underscore the incredible diversity of India's wetland heritage and the importance of conserving them.
Answered By:
Harsh Raj
Harsh Raj is a successful government exam expert, having cleared multiple stages of SSC CGL, IBPS PO, CDS, RRB NTPC, and Delhi Police SI exams himself and mentored more than 5000 students through direct mentorship. His expertise is in creating well researched content, especially MCQs, which have been directly asked by relevant commissions in multiple exams.
Similar Questions
Examine the pattern and trend of public expenditure on social services in the post-reforms period in India. To what extent this has been in consonance with achieving the objective of inclusive growth?
What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation.
Explain the role of millets for ensuring health and nutritional security in India.
What is the present world scenario of intellectual property rights with respect to life materials? Although, India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have been commercialized. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization.
What were the factors responsible for the successful implementation of land reforms in some parts of the country? Elaborate.
What is the technology being employed for electronic toll collection on highways? What are its advantages and limitations? What are the proposed changes that will make this process seamless? Would this transition carry any potential hazards?
Industrial pollution of river water is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and also the government's initiatives in this regard.
Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism.
What role do environmental NGOs and activists play in influencing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes for major projects in India? Cite four examples with all important details.
What is the need for expanding the regional air connectivity in India? In this context, discuss the government's UDAN Scheme and its achievements.
Important Questions from GS3
Examine the pattern and trend of public expenditure on social services in the post-reforms period in India. To what extent this has been in consonance with achieving the objective of inclusive growth?
What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation.
Explain the role of millets for ensuring health and nutritional security in India.
What is the present world scenario of intellectual property rights with respect to life materials? Although, India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have been commercialized. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization.
What were the factors responsible for the successful implementation of land reforms in some parts of the country? Elaborate.
