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Subject: Wetlands

  • What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of ‘wise use’ in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India.

    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”.

    Ramsar Concept of Wise Use

    It refers to the maintenance of ecological character of wetlands through sustainable use, ensuring that benefits derived from wetlands do not lead to long-term degradation.

    Recently, India’s resolution on the ‘‘Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles for the Wise Use of Wetlands’’ was adopted at the 15th COP15 to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

    Key Elements of Wise Use

    Maintaining Ecological Character – Conservation of hydrology, biodiversity, water quality, and ecosystem services. Eg – Preventing encroachment and regulating land-use.

    Integrated Management Approach – Eg – Wetland Management Committees under Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.

    Avoiding Degradation – Ensuring human activities do not cause pollution, over-extraction, or habitat loss. Eg – Restricting construction and waste discharge around wetlands.

    Sustainable Livelihoods – Supporting communities dependent on wetlands while ensuring ecological health. Eg – regulated fisheries in Ramsar sites.

    Examples of Ramsar Sites in India

    India has 94 Ramsar Sites (highest in Tamil Nadu)

    Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan)

    A UNESCO World Heritage Site

    Important for migratory birds like Siberian cranes; supports floodwater-based wetland ecology.

    Chilika Lake (Odisha)

    Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon

    Known for Irrawaddy dolphins, rich fisheries, and large wintering bird populations.

    Wetlands are critical natural infrastructure and the Ramsar principle of wise use ensures that development and conservation are balanced.

  • Comment on the National Wetland Conservation Programme initiated by the Government of India and name a few India’s wetlands of international importance included in the Ramsar Sites.

    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).

  • Consider the following statements

    Consider the following statements:

    1. Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.
    2. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of Ramsar Convention.
    3. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.

    Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

  • Consider the following pairs

    Consider the following pairs :
    Wetland/Lake Location
    1. Hokera Wetland — Punjab
    2. Renuka Wetland — Himachal Pradesh
    3. Rudrasagar Lake — Tripura
    4. Sasthamkotta Lake — Tamil Nadu
    How many pairs given above are correctly matched ?

  • In India, which one of the following States has the largest inland saline wetland

    In India, which one of the following States has the largest inland saline wetland?

  • India is a party to the Ramsar Convention and has declared many areas as Ramsar Sites.

    India is a party to the Ramsar Convention and has declared many areas as Ramsar Sites.
    Which of the following statements best describes as to how we should maintain these sites in the context of the Convention.

  • With reference to the wetlands of India, consider the following statements

    With reference to the wetlands of India, consider the following statements:
    1. The country’s total geographical area under the category of wetlands is recorded more in Gujarat as compared to other States.
    2. In India, the total geographical area of coastal wetlands is larger than that of inland wetlands.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • With reference to a conservation organization called ‘Wetlands International’, which of the

    With reference to a conservation organization called ‘Wetlands International’, which of the
    following statement/s is/are correct?
    1. It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to
    Ramsar Convention.
    2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical
    experience to advocate for better policies.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply

    If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply?

  • “If rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys” Which one of the following functions of wetlands best reflects the above statement

    “If rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys” Which one of the following functions of wetlands best reflects the above statement?