Question

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.

Answer 1

The National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) was initiated by the Government of India in 1985-86 with the aim of conserving and managing the country's wetlands. Wetlands are critical ecosystems that provide a range of ecological services, including water filtration, flood control, biodiversity support, and carbon sequestration. The NWCP seeks to protect these vital ecosystems from degradation and promote sustainable management practices.

Objectives of the National Wetland Conservation Programme

1. Protection and Restoration:

   • Conservation Efforts: Identify and protect significant wetlands in India to prevent degradation due to anthropogenic activities such as pollution, encroachment, and unsustainable development.
   • Restoration Projects: Implement restoration projects to rehabilitate degraded wetlands and improve their ecological health and biodiversity.

2. Ecological and Hydrological Functions:

   • Ecosystem Services: Maintain the ecological and hydrological functions of wetlands, such as groundwater recharge, water purification, and flood mitigation.
   • Biodiversity Conservation: Protect the habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna, including migratory birds and endangered species.

3. Sustainable Management:

   • Community Involvement: Encourage community participation in wetland conservation and management, promoting sustainable use of wetland resources.
   • Awareness and Education: Raise public awareness about the importance of wetlands and educate stakeholders about sustainable management practices.

4. Policy and Regulatory Framework:

   • Guidelines and Regulations: Develop and implement policies and regulations for wetland conservation, including legal protection and management guidelines.
   • Research and Monitoring: Support research and monitoring activities to gather data on wetland ecology, threats, and conservation strategies.

Key Features of the NWCP

• Wetland Identification: Identify wetlands across the country for conservation prioritization, focusing on ecological significance, biodiversity value, and threat levels.
• Funding and Support: Provide financial and technical assistance to state governments for the implementation of conservation and management activities.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with national and international organizations, research institutions, and NGOs to enhance conservation efforts and knowledge exchange.

Challenges Faced by the NWCP

• Resource Constraints: Limited financial and human resources can impede the effective implementation of conservation projects.
• Land Use Conflicts: Competing demands for land and water resources pose challenges to wetland conservation, leading to conflicts between conservation goals and development objectives.
• Pollution and Climate Change: Pollution from industrial, agricultural, and urban sources, along with the impacts of climate change, threatens the health and functionality of wetlands.

Ramsar Sites: Wetlands of International Importance in India

India is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. As of now, India has 75 designated Ramsar Sites, which are recognized for their international importance in terms of ecology, botany, zoology, limnology, or hydrology. Here are a few notable Ramsar Sites in India:

1. Sundarbans Wetland (West Bengal):

   • Significance: Part of the largest mangrove forest in the world, the Sundarbans are home to the Bengal tiger, saltwater crocodile, and numerous bird species. The wetland plays a critical role in coastal protection and carbon sequestration.

2. Chilika Lake (Odisha):

   • Significance: Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, Chilika Lake supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin. It is a crucial stopover for migratory birds along the East Asia-Australasia Flyway.

3. Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan):

   • Significance: A man-made wetland and bird sanctuary, Keoladeo is renowned for its rich avifauna, attracting thousands of migratory birds, including the Siberian crane, during the winter season.

4. Loktak Lake (Manipur):

   • Significance: Known for its unique phumdis (floating islands), Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India and provides habitat for the endangered sangai (Manipur brow-antlered deer).

5. Wular Lake (Jammu and Kashmir):

   • Significance: One of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, Wular Lake is critical for the hydrological and ecological health of the Kashmir Valley, supporting biodiversity and providing livelihoods for local communities.

Conclusion

The National Wetland Conservation Programme plays a crucial role in preserving India's rich and diverse wetland ecosystems. By protecting and managing wetlands, the NWCP contributes to biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and the well-being of local communities. The inclusion of several Indian wetlands as Ramsar Sites highlights their global significance and underscores the importance of continued efforts to conserve these vital ecosystems in the face of growing environmental challenges.