Syllabus Mapping
Mains-GS - III: Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Sustainable Development, Disaster Management.
Introduction
• Wetlands are transition zones between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, playing a critical role in maintaining biodiversity, regulating hydrological cycles, and providing ecosystem services.
• The Meghalaya High Court’s suo moto intervention has reignited discussions on wetland conservation in India.
• World Wetlands Day (February 2) commemorates the adoption of the Ramsar Convention (1971), an international treaty for the conservation of wetlands.
• The 2025 theme, "Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future", aligns with sustainable development perspectives.
Understanding Wetlands
• Definition: Areas where water is the primary factor controlling the environment and associated plant/animal life.
• Types of Wetlands:
o Natural Wetlands:
- Inland Wetlands: Lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes, swamps, floodplains, peatlands.
- Coastal Wetlands: Estuaries, mangroves, coral reefs, tidal flats, salt marshes.
o Man-made Wetlands: Reservoirs, fish ponds, rice paddies, sewage treatment ponds.
• Functions of Wetlands:
o Ecological: Habitat for diverse flora and fauna, including migratory birds and endangered species.
o Hydrological: Groundwater recharge, flood control, and water purification.
o Climatic Regulation: Carbon sequestration to mitigate climate change.
o Economic & Livelihood Support: Fisheries, agriculture, tourism, and medicinal plants.
The Importance of Wetlands
• Wetlands constitute 6% of the Earth's surface and contribute 40.6% of global ecosystem services.
• Biodiversity Hotspots: Serve as breeding grounds for a vast range of species, many of which are endemic.
• Flood Mitigation: Absorb excess rainwater and reduce urban flooding risks.
• Water Purification: Act as natural filters, removing pollutants, heavy metals, and sediments.
• Carbon Sink: Peatlands store twice as much carbon as forests, making them crucial for climate mitigation.
• Cultural and Spiritual Significance: Many wetlands are revered in religious traditions and folklore.
Threats to Wetlands
A. Anthropogenic Pressures
1. Urbanization & Infrastructure Development
o 30% of India's natural wetlands lost due to urban expansion.
o Encroachment for real estate, roads, and industries (Example: Loss of East Kolkata wetlands due to urbanization).
2. Agricultural Expansion
o Conversion into farmlands (e.g., draining marshes for paddy fields).
o Overuse of fertilizers & pesticides leads to eutrophication.
3. Industrial Pollution & Waste Dumping
o Discharge of toxic chemicals, heavy metals, plastics into wetlands.
o Example: Bellandur Lake (Bengaluru) catching fire due to industrial waste.
4. Groundwater Depletion & Overextraction
o Overuse of wetland water for irrigation and domestic use.
o Groundwater withdrawal disrupts wetland hydrology.
5. Tourism & Recreational Activities
o Unregulated tourism leads to habitat destruction, littering, and biodiversity loss.
B. Climate Change Impacts
1. Rising Temperatures
o Wetland evaporation rates increase, leading to water scarcity.
o Coral reef bleaching and loss of mangrove ecosystems.
2. Extreme Weather Events
o Cyclones and hurricanes destroy wetland vegetation and species.
o Example: Sundarbans mangroves damaged by Cyclone Amphan (2020).
3. Sea-Level Rise
o Coastal wetlands face submersion, leading to habitat loss.
o Salinity intrusion affects freshwater ecosystems.
C. Policy & Governance Challenges
1. Lack of Implementation of Laws
o Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 not strictly enforced.
o Illegal encroachments continue despite regulations.
2. Lack of Awareness & Community Participation
o Wetlands viewed as wastelands rather than ecological assets.
o Low community involvement in conservation initiatives.
3. Inter-Departmental Coordination Issues
o Multiplicity of authorities (MoEFCC, state pollution boards, local municipalities) creates confusion.
Wetland Conservation Efforts in India
A. Legal & Policy Framework
1. Ramsar Convention (1971)
o India has 89 Ramsar sites (as of 2025 ), covering 13 lakh hectares.
2. Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017
o Bans conversion, encroachments, and dumping of hazardous materials.
3. National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP)
o Funds research and management of significant wetlands.
4. National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA)
o Provides financial & technical support for conservation.
5. State-Level Wetland Authorities
o Example: Maharashtra Wetland Authority monitors Mumbai’s urban wetlands.
B. Scientific & Technological Approaches
1. GIS & Remote Sensing
o Used for mapping wetland loss and monitoring illegal encroachments.
2. Bioremediation & Sustainable Waste Management
o Utilizing wetland plants (e.g., water hyacinths) to absorb pollutants.
3. Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)
o Restoration of mangroves and coral reefs to prevent coastal erosion.
C. Community-Based Conservation Models
1. Participatory Wetland Management
o Engaging local communities & fisherfolk in wetland restoration.
2. Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Livelihoods
o Promoting responsible tourism to generate income while preserving biodiversity.
o Example: Chilika Lake ecotourism initiative.
Way Forward: Strategic Recommendations
A. Strengthening Policy & Governance
• Strict enforcement of Wetlands (Conservation & Management) Rules, 2017.
• State Wetland Action Plans to monitor and protect wetlands.
• Integration of wetland conservation into urban planning.
B. Scientific & Technological Innovations
• AI-driven wetland monitoring to detect encroachments in real-time.
• Bioengineering solutions to restore degraded wetlands.
C. Financial Incentives
• Green Bonds & Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Funding for wetland conservation.
• Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes to incentivize local communities.
D. Community Engagement & Education
• School curriculum integration on wetland conservation.
• Mass awareness campaigns (e.g., Swachh Wetlands Abhiyan).
