Lok Sabha Question No. 4265 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-27
Subject: Management and Conservation of Wetlands
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Asaduddin Owaisi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4265

TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.03.2023

## Management and Conservation of Wetlands

## 4265. SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has notified Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017 under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act 1986 for management and conservation of wetlands in the country; if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether it is a fact that nearly two of every five wetlands in the country have lost their natural existence;
- (c) if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether it is also a fact the urbanization and waste disposal and lack of knowledge are the main reasons for depleting wetlands in the country; and
- (e) if so, the steps taken or being taken by the Government to save wetlands in the country for the safety of environment in the country?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

- (a) The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has notified Wetlands  (Conservation  and  Management)  Rules,  2017  under  the  provisions  of  the Environment  (Protection)  Act,  1986  as  regulatory  framework  for  conservation  and management  of  wetlands  across  country  to  conserve,  manage  and  maintain  the ecological character of the wetlands without restricting the wise use.
- (b) to  (e)  Such  scientific  data  pertaining  to  loss  of  natural  existence  of  wetlands  is  not avaible on records. While the Central and State Governments take all possible steps for the restoration, conservation and preservation of wetlands, developmental activities  and  anthropogenic  pressures  including  urbanization  and  waste  disposal  do affect water bodies.

MoEF&CC is currently implementing a centrally sponsored scheme namely, National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems (NPCA)  for conservation and management  of  identified  wetlands  (includes  lakes)  in  the  country  on  cost  sharing basis  between  Central  Government  and  respective  State  Governments.  The  scheme covers various activities such as interception, diversion and treatment of wastewater, shoreline  protection,  lake  front  development,  in-situ  cleaning  i.e.,  desilting  &  deweeding,  storm  water  management,  bioremediation,  catchment  area  treatment,  lake beautification,  survey &  demarcation,  bio-fencing, fisheries  development,  weed control,  biodiversity  conservation,  education  and  awareness  creation,  community participation, etc.

The Ministry had undertaken 'Wetlands Rejuvenation' programme within the framework of  169  transformative  ideas  of  Government  of  India  i.e.  'Start  work  on Restoration & Rejuvenation of at least 100 major wetlands across the country'. In the first  cycle  of  the  programme, 130 wetlands were selected in consultation with State Governments  for  which  collection  of  baseline  information  and  rapid  assessment  of wetlands condition was done during the 100 days implementation period. Based on the above  list,  32  wetlands  were  identified  and  concerned  States/UTs  advised  to  take necessary action for their rejuvenation and restoration.

Ministry  has  launched  Mission  Sahbhagita,  on  the  occasion  of  Azadi  Ka  Amrit Mahotsav, which is an important step towards participatory conservation and wise use of wetlands to enable a society ownership approach with communities leading at the forefront. The Ministry has also launched 'Save Wetlands Campaign' as part of this Mission on 04.02.2023 at Goa on the occasion of World Wetlands Day 2023.

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