Day 27 – Q. 4. Wetlands serve as ecological sentinels, yet they remain among the most threatened ecosystems in India. Examine the socio-economic and ecological importance of wetlands, and critically assess the gaps in policy and enforcement that hinder their protection. (250 words, 15 marks)

Q. 4. Wetlands serve as ecological sentinels, yet they remain among the most threatened ecosystems in India. Examine the socio-economic and ecological importance of wetlands, and critically assess the gaps in policy and enforcement that hinder their protection. (250 words, 15 marks)

Introduction 

According to the Ramsar Convention, wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peatland, or water that  support biodiversity and regulate water regimes. As of 2025, India has 89 Ramsar sites covering  over 1.33 million hectares yet faces alarming degradation.  

Body  

Why Wetlands Remain the Most Threatened Ecosystems 

1. Rapid Urbanization and Land Conversion: India lost over 30% of its natural wetlands  between 1970 and 2014 due to infrastructure and real estate expansion (ISRO).  2. Pollution and Waste Dumping: 75% of urban and peri-urban wetlands are contaminated  by sewage, plastic, and industrial effluents (CPCB, 2021).  
2. Climate Change Vulnerability: Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall are shrinking  wetland water levels and disrupting seasonal cycles.  

Ecological and Socio-Economic Importance of Wetlands 

1. Biodiversity Hotspots: Wetlands provide habitats for migratory birds and rare aquatic  species. Keoladeo and Chilika support over 100 bird species.  
2. Natural Purifiers and Recharge Zones: Wetlands filter pollutants and recharge aquifers.  East Kolkata Wetlands save around Rs 500 million annually.  
3. Flood Control and Climate Buffer: Wetlands reduce flood impacts and sequester carbon.  Sunderbans alone store ~4.15 billion tons of CO₂.  
4. Livelihood and Food Security: They support fishing, grazing, agriculture, and tourism.  Loktak Lake sustains about 1 lakh fishers in Manipur. 
5. Cultural and Religious Significance: Many wetlands like Pushkar Lake and Loktak are  deeply rooted in local traditions and religious practices.  
6. Research and Education Value: Wetlands serve as open laboratories for ecological  research, environmental awareness, and student field learning.  

Policy and Enforcement Gaps Hindering Protection 

1. Fragmented Governance Framework: Multiple ministries overlap, causing inaction. The  Ritesh Kumar Committee recommended a unified wetland authority for coordinated  efforts.  
2. Ineffective Wetlands Rules 2017: Rules exclude man-made wetlands and lack  enforcement. Only 13 states have notified authorities (CAG 2020). 
3. Encroachments from Urban Expansion: Wetlands are drained for infrastructure.  Bengaluru lost 40% of its wetlands since 1973. 
4. Inadequate Monitoring Systems: Less than 5% of wetlands are geo-tagged. NWCP lacks  updated inventories and real-time tracking.  

Recommendations 

1. Enforce Wetlands Rules Effectively: Ensure all states form and empower State Wetland  Authorities with technical capacity.  
2. Technology-Driven Monitoring: Use ISRO’s Bhuvan and AI tools for satellite-based  tracking and timely alerts.  
3. Community-Led Conservation Models: Adopt co-management practices like Chilika  Development Authority involving local stakeholders.  
4. Integrate in Urban Planning: Include wetlands in master plans and climate infrastructure  projects to ensure ecological buffers.  
5. Leverage Existing Schemes and Best Practices: Integrate wetlands restoration with  programs like the Amrit Dharodhar Scheme to rejuvenate water bodies and adopt global  models like USA’s Clean Water Act and Australia’s Ramsar zoning.  

Conclusion 

Wetlands play a vital role in water security and climate resilience. Protecting them strengthens  India’s path toward CBD and Ramsar targets while safeguarding GDP-linked ecosystem services  worth billions annually.