Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

Wetlands, critical ecosystems for biodiversity, water security, and climate regulation, cover approximately 4.86% of India's total land area.

• Despite legal protection under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, they continue to face degradation due to encroachment, pollution, and unsustainable development.

Body

Implementation Challenges in Wetland Conservation:

• Lack of Comprehensive Identification and Mapping
  • Many wetlands remain unmapped or unrecorded, especially smaller wetlands (<2.25 hectares) not covered under the Wetlands Rules, 2017.
  • Absence of accurate and updated geo-spatial data hampers effective monitoring.
• Encroachment and Urbanization
  • Rapid urbanization leads to encroachment for infrastructure, agriculture, and real estate development.
  • For instance, East Kolkata Wetlands, vital for wastewater treatment, are under pressure from urban sprawl.
• Pollution and Eutrophication
  • Discharge of untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and agricultural runoff leads to chemical pollution and eutrophication.
  • For example, Loktak Lake in Manipur suffers from siltation and pesticide runoff.
• Weak Enforcement of Wetland Rules
  • Wetlands Rules, 2017, focus primarily on notification and regulation but lack clear guidelines on restoration and community participation.
    • There is limited monitoring and accountability for polluters and encroachers.
• Lack of Public Awareness
  • Wetlands are often undervalued by local communities, perceived only as wastelands rather than vital ecosystems.
  • The cultural and ecological significance of wetlands like Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Vembanad Lake (Kerala) remains poorly understood.
• Climate Change Impacts
  • Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns exacerbate wetland drying, affecting biodiversity and hydrological cycles.

Innovative Approaches for Wetland Conservation:

• Technology-Driven Solutions
  • Satellite Mapping and GIS: Use satellite technology for real-time monitoring of wetland health, encroachments, and pollution.
    • The National Wetland Inventory and Assessment (NWIA) can be expanded,
  • AI and IoT Sensors: Deploy IoT sensors to monitor water quality parameters like pH, oxygen levels, and pollutant concentration in real-time.
• Community-Based Wetland Management
  • Participatory Approaches: Engage local communities, particularly those dependent on wetlands for livelihoods, in conservation efforts through eco-tourism and sustainable fishing.
• Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES)
  • Introduce PES models where industries or urban local bodies financially compensate local communities for maintaining wetlands.
    • Farmers around wetlands could be incentivized to adopt organic farming to reduce pesticide runoff.
• Strengthening Legal and Institutional Framework
  • Expand Wetland Rules to include smaller and seasonal wetlands, which are critical for groundwater recharge and biodiversity.
• Ecological Restoration Initiatives
  • Adopt natural engineering techniques like planting native vegetation, de-silting, and creating buffer zones to restore degraded wetlands.
    • For instance, The Loktak Development Authority (LDA) has taken concerted efforts in improving the Lake drainage by undertaking desiltation.
• Public Awareness Campaigns
  • Launch nationwide awareness drives on the importance of wetlands in flood control, water filtration, and biodiversity conservation.
  • Integrate wetlands education into school curricula and use social media campaigns for wider outreach.
• Private Sector Participation
  • Encourage Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) investments in wetland conservation, such as sponsoring cleanup drives and building treatment plants.
  • Collaborate with industries to develop green infrastructure that minimizes wetland damage.

Conclusion

India's wetlands play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, biodiversity, and water security. However, their degradation due to urbanization, pollution, and governance challenges demands immediate attention. By incorporating technological innovation, participatory governance, and robust legal frameworks, India can build upon the purpose of Ramsar Convention and ensure the long-term protection of these essential ecosystems for sustainable development.