Q.17. 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. [UPSC 2023 GS P-3]

The National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP), initiated by the Government of India, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the country’s wetlands. These vital ecosystems provide essential ecological services and support biodiversity. Here are the key points about the NWCP:

• Objective: The NWCP aims to prevent further deterioration of India’s wetlands and ensure their judicious use for the benefit of local communities and overall biodiversity conservation.
• Implementation: The NWCP is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) managed by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change. It focuses on wetland conservation and management through collaborative efforts between the central government and state/union territory governments.
• Activities Covered: Under the NWCP, various activities are undertaken, including:
  • Interception, diversion, and treatment of wastewater
  • Shoreline protection
  • Lakefront development
  • In-situ cleaning (desilting and de-weeding)
  • Storm water management
  • Bio-remediation
  • Catchment area treatment
  • Lake beautification
  • Survey and demarcation
  • Bio-fencing
  • Fisheries development
  • Weed control
  • Biodiversity conservation
  • Education and awareness creation
  • Community participation
• Ramsar Sites in India: Ramsar sites are wetlands recognized as being of “international importance” under the Ramsar Convention. As of January 2024, India has 80 Ramsar sites. Some notable ones include:
  • Kolleru Lake (Andhra Pradesh)
  • Chilika Lake (Odisha)
  • Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan)
  • Vembanad-Kol Wetland (Kerala)
  • Hokersar Wetland (Jammu and Kashmir) etc.

These Ramsar sites are critical for biodiversity, water purification, and sustainable livelihoods, and their conservation is essential for a healthier planet.