{"id":76274,"date":"2025-12-03T17:05:42","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T11:35:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=76274"},"modified":"2025-12-03T17:05:42","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T11:35:42","slug":"wetland-conservation-and-management-rules-2010-and-2017","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wetland-conservation-and-management-rules-2010-and-2017\/","title":{"rendered":"Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2010 &#038; 2017"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2010 and 2017<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are aimed at protecting and managing India\u2019s wetlands in a sustainable way. They define what wetlands are, list activities that are <\/span><b>prohibited or regulated<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and set up authorities to monitor and manage these areas. The 2017 Rules strengthened the 2010 framework by <\/span><b>including state-level authorities, expert committees, and a digital wetland inventory<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Together, these rules help conserve biodiversity, maintain water resources, and involve local communities in wetland protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What is a Wetland?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><b>wetland<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is an area where water is the primary factor influencing the environment and the plants and animals living there. It occurs where the <\/span><b>water table is at or near the land surface<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or where the land is <\/span><b>submerged under water<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, either permanently or seasonally. Wetlands are now recognised as <\/span><b>distinct ecosystems<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with unique ecological functions, including water purification, flood control, biodiversity support, and groundwater recharge.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2010 Provisions<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2010 were the first comprehensive framework in India for protecting wetlands under the<\/span><b><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/environment-protection-act-1986\/\" target=\"_blank\"> Environment Protection Act<\/a>, 1986<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. They aimed to regulate human activities and conserve wetland ecosystems.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Defined wetlands to include <\/span><b>marshes, fens, peatlands, lakes, reservoirs, tanks, backwaters, lagoons, estuaries, and man-made wetlands<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> up to a depth of 6 meters, including their catchment areas.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Prohibited activities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: reclamation of wetlands, industrialization, dumping of hazardous substances, solid waste, and activities harmful to wetland ecology.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Regulated activities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: withdrawal of water, harvesting of resources, dredging, etc., requiring prior approval from authorities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Central Wetlands Regulatory Authority (CWRA)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> established to monitor activities, identify new wetlands, and evaluate state submissions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">State governments required to submit a <\/span><b>brief document<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on wetlands for potential protection under the rules.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upon approval, wetlands could be <\/span><b>notified as \u201cProtected Wetlands.\u201d<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Appeals mechanism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> available through the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/national-green-tribunal\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>National Green Tribunal<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for decisions made by the authority<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2010 Limitations<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2010 had several limitations that affected their effectiveness:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Livelihood and Water Security Not Addressed:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> They did not consider wetlands critical for the livelihoods and domestic water supply of dependent populations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Exclusion of Smaller Wetlands:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Many small wetlands, jheels, tanks, and rural\/urban water bodies performing important ecological and socio-economic functions were not included.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lack of Local Authorities:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The rules did not mandate the creation of <\/span><b>state or district-level Wetlands Regulatory Authorities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, limiting local participation and governance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>No Community Representation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The <\/span><b>Central Wetlands Regulatory Authority (CWRA)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> lacked members from local communities, farmers, or fishing associations, reducing stakeholder involvement.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Limited Enforcement Mechanism:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Monitoring and enforcement were largely centralized, making it difficult to address local threats effectively.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017 Provisions<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017 aim to strengthen wetland protection in India by decentralizing authority, involving experts, and regulating activities to ensure sustainable use.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wetlands defined as lands between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems with water at or near the surface.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Establishment of <\/span><b>State Wetlands Authority<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in each state\/UT headed by Environment Minister.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experts in ecology, hydrology, fisheries, and socioeconomics to be included in state committees.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preparation of a <\/span><b>comprehensive list of permitted, regulated, and prohibited activities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for wetlands.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Replacement of CWRA with a <\/span><b>Central Advisory Committee<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to guide policies and Ramsar site nominations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creation of a <\/span><b>digital wetland inventory<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, updated every ten years.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prohibition of activities like industrial expansion, conversion for non-wetland use, hazardous waste disposal, and untreated effluent discharge.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">State governments are empowered to implement local protection, while the central government retains monitoring authority.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>National Wetland Committee (NWC)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>National Wetland Committee (NWC)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a high-level advisory body constituted by the Government of India to oversee the conservation, management, and sustainable use of wetlands across the country.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It plays a pivotal role in implementing India\u2019s wetland policies in line with the <\/span><b>Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2010 &amp; 2017<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the commitments under the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/ramsar-convention-on-wetlands\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Ramsar Convention<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Functions and Features of NWC:<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Policy Advisory:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Advises the <\/span><b>Central Government<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on formulating and implementing policies, programs, and strategies for wetland conservation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ramsar Site Designation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Recommends wetlands of <\/span><b>international importance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for notification under the Ramsar Convention and ensures compliance with global standards.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Scientific Guidance:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Provides inputs based on <\/span><b>wetland ecology, hydrology, fisheries, biodiversity, and socio-economic studies<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for informed decision-making.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Coordination with States and UTs:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Works closely with <\/span><b>State Wetlands Authorities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to ensure consistent and effective implementation of wetland rules at local levels.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Capacity Building &amp; Awareness:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Suggests measures to <\/span><b>educate stakeholders, local communities, and policymakers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> about the ecological and socio-economic importance of wetlands.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Monitoring &amp; Evaluation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Tracks the status and health of wetlands, assesses the effectiveness of conservation measures, and recommends improvements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>International Collaboration:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Facilitates <\/span><b>partnerships with international agencies and organisations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for technical support, research, and sustainable management practices.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Reporting: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provides periodic reports to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/climate-change\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Climate Change<\/strong><\/a> (MoEFCC) on wetland conservation progress.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Case Studies of Wetland Management in India<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India has witnessed several successful wetland conservation projects that combine government initiatives, scientific management, and community participation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Sambhar Lake, Rajasthan<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Type:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Saltwater lake and India\u2019s largest inland salt lake.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Issues:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Encroachment, illegal salt mining, and pollution affecting biodiversity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Management Measures:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Declared a <\/span><b>Ramsar site<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in 1990.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Implementation of strict regulations under <\/span><b>Wetlands Rules 2010<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monitoring of illegal activities and restoration of degraded habitats.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Outcome:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Stabilization of migratory bird populations, especially flamingos, and improved water quality.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>2. Chilika Lake, Odisha<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Type:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Brackish water lagoon, India\u2019s largest coastal wetland.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Issues:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Siltation, overfishing, and pollution affecting fish and bird species.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Management Measures:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Community-based co-management with local fisherfolk.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restoration of water channels and control of invasive species.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Declared a <\/span><b>Ramsar site<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in 1981.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Outcome:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Increase in fish catch, improved biodiversity, and enhanced ecotourism.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>3. Vembanad-Kol Wetlands, Kerala<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Type:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Largest Ramsar site in Kerala, including lakes, lagoons, and canals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Issues:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Industrial pollution, urban encroachment, and habitat degradation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Management Measures:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Implementation of <\/span><b>state-level wetland authority programs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> under 2017 Rules.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Promotion of sustainable tourism and eco-friendly aquaculture.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Outcome:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Improved water quality, restored bird habitats, and regulated human activities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>4. Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Type:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Freshwater marsh and UNESCO World Heritage Site.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Issues:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Water shortage, invasive species, and fluctuating wetland health.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Management Measures:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restoration of natural hydrology through canal and dam management.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Active involvement of local communities in bird conservation programs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strict enforcement of <\/span><b>Wetlands Rules 2010<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Outcome:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Revival of migratory bird populations and enhanced ecotourism.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>5. East Kolkata Wetlands, West Bengal<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Type:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Urban wetland complex used for natural sewage treatment and fish farming.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Issues:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Urbanization, encroachment, and pollution threats.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Management Measures:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recognized as a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/ramsar-sites-in-india\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Ramsar site<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in 2002.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Integrated urban planning with wetland protection.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Promotion of traditional aquaculture and wastewater recycling.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Outcome:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Sustainable fish production, wastewater treatment, and biodiversity conservation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wetland Conservation and Management Rules 2010 and 2017 strengthen protection of India\u2019s wetlands through regulation, state authorities, digital inventories and community involvement.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":76260,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[786],"tags":[4012],"class_list":{"0":"post-76274","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-general-studies","8":"tag-wetland-rules-2010-2017","9":"no-featured-image-padding"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76274","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/27"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=76274"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76274\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/76260"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=76274"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=76274"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=76274"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}