Draft Notification Issued for 44 Wetlands in the State | 23 Mar 2023

Why in News?

Keeping in view the importance of wetlands, on the occasion of World Water Day celebrated on 22 March 2023, a draft notification marking 44 wetlands in different districts of the state has been issued by the Department of Environment and Climate Change as per the provisions of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.

Key Points

• There are 44 water bodies in the state that have been notified as wetlands. In relation to these wetlands, within 60 days, any person will be able to give his/her suggestions or objections to the Joint Government Secretary, Environment and Climate Change Department. Based on the suggestions and objections received during this period, a final notification will be issued regarding these 44 wetlands.
• Shikhar Aggarwal, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment and Water Resources Department, said that along with the GPS details of the wetland boundary and buffer area, a list of prohibited and regulated activities has been attached in the notification.
• Mining work, draining of water for commercial purposes, dumping of waste, industrial activities, poaching, farming, etc. have been prohibited within the limits of wetlands.
• It is known that wetlands are a rich ecosystem not only of animals but also of plants, where useful flora and medicinal plants are also found in abundance in wetlands as wetlands play an important role in their production.
• Wetlands absorb the excess of water during floods so that there is no loss of life and property in human habitation areas. These areas contribute significantly to environmental protection by performing important roles like 'carbon absorption' and 'increase in ground water level'. Wetlands are also very important for the livelihood of the local people.