About the Division
The Wetlands Division of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) aims to conserve wetlands of the country. The Division’s objective of conservation and management of wetlands is divided under 4 broad heads
Conservation and Management of Wetlands
Ministry is currently implementing a Centrally sponsored scheme namely, National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic ecosystems (NPCA) for Conservation and Management of Wetlands in the country on cost sharing basis between Central Government and respective State Governments. It aims at holistic conservation and restoration of wetlands including lakes for achieving the desired water quality enhancement, besides improvement in biodiversity and ecosystems through an integrated and multi-disciplinary approach.
To strengthen the capacity of wetland managers and stakeholders for effective management of wetlands, the Division executes technical handholding and workshops. Many such initiatives have been undertaken over the past years
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has notified Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for conservation and management of wetlands in India. This is a significant step to conserve, manage and maintain the ecological character of the wetlands without restricting the wise use.
The Division works towards fulfilling the obligations of the country as a signatory to the ‘Convention on Wetlands’, signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971. It is an intergovernmental treaty which provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. Wetlands are the only ecosystem to have a dedicated multilateral environmental agreement of their own, the Ramsar Convention.
