As per Ramsar Convention, wetlands are defined as “areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres”.
National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP)
Initiated in 1985-86 for Conservation, restoration and sustainable management of wetlands to maintain ecological character and ecosystem services.
Implemented through MoEFCC and State Wetland Authorities,
It is merged with the National Lake conservation program under NPCA (2013).
Achievements of NWCA
Ramsar Site Expansion – India increased Ramsar sites to 94 wetlands (2025) with NWCP support.
Restoration Initiatives – Supported desiltation, sewage diversion and habitat improvement in degraded wetlands. Eg- Ecological restoration of Chilika Lake.
Financial Support: Central funding to states for priority wetlands has led to tangible improvements. Eg: Loktak Lake (Manipur) saw reduced weed infestation
Led to creation of Wetlands Rules, 2017 for legal protection.
Enabled formation of State Wetland Authorities and Management Plans.
Awareness Generation and Community Engagement – Eg- Initiatives like Wetland Mitras.
Integrated Management – Promoted catchment and water management approaches for ecological restoration.
Limitations of National Wetland Conservation Programme
Inadequate Funding restricted large-scale wetland rejuvenation.
Encroachment and pollution continue. Eg- Chennai has lost 85% of its wetlands. (WWF)
Poor Inter-Agency Coordination – Multiplicity of urban, irrigation and forest agencies.
Private Ownership Barrier – Eg- 55% of India’s 24.24 lakh water bodies are privately owned as per the 2022-23 Water Body Census.
Land Use Conversion for housing, infrastructure and agriculture. Eg- India has lost nearly 30% of its wetlands in 3 decades due to urbanisation, pollution and farming.
Invasive Species Proliferation disrupts native biodiversity and oxygen balance. Eg- Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) chokes lakes and ponds across India.
Climate Change-Induced Hydrological Stress – Changing rainfall and sea-level rise disturb wetland hydrology. Eg- Sundarbans faces salinity intrusion
Policy Blind Spots – Wetlands excluded from urban master plans and infrastructure planning.
India’s Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites)
Chilika Lake (Odisha) – Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and Irrawaddy dolphin habitat.
Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) – Globally important migratory bird wetland.
Loktak Lake (Manipur) – World’s only lake with floating phumdis.
Wular Lake (Jammu & Kashmir) – One of India’s largest freshwater lakes.
Wetlands are critical natural infrastructure and key in realising SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).