Lok Sabha Question No. 3192 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-20
Subject: Wetlands in Kashmir
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Hasnain Masoodi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTIONNO. 3192

TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.03.2023

## Wetlands in Kashmir

## 3192.  SHRI HASNAIN MASOODI:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  cognizant  of  the  diminishing  area  under  the  wetlands  in Kashmir due to urbanisation, siltation and increasing pollution in the catchment area;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government has taken any steps for the restoration of several such wetlands, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether the Government is planning to set up a management plan for the conservation of Hokersar wetland in Srinagar; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b) While the Central and State Governments take all possible steps for the restoration, conservation  and  preservation  of  wetlands,  developmental  activities  and  anthropogenic pressures do affect water bodies. As per the information received from Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir, wetlands in Kashmir region areimpacted due to siltation in catchment area and urbanization in the fringe areas of wetlands. Flood embankments in most of these wetlands act as boundary demarcation saving them from encroachments in the shape of settlements.    The  details  of  urbanisation,  siltation  and  increasing  pollution  in  the catchment  area  of  8  Nos.  Wetland  Conservation  Reserves  under  Wildlife  Protection Department  in  Kashmir  Region  has  been  studied,  analysed  and  remedial  measures prescribed under 'Integrated Management Action Plan (2022-27)'
- (c)  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.

Further,  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  &  de-weeding,  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.

- (d)  &  (e)  As  per  information  received  from  Govt.  of  Jammu  and  Kashmir,  Integrated Management  Plan  (2022-27),  prepared  and  approved  for  implementation  for  8  Nos. Wetland Conservation Reserves,  also  includes  the  plan  for  Hokersar  wetland.  The  plan envisages focus on survey, demarcation, water quality management,  bio-diversity conservation, education awareness and eco-tourism, sustainable resource development and institutional development at an estimated cost of Rs.16.13 Crore for a period of 5 years.

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