Conservation of Wetlands in India

Context

In celebration of World Wetlands Day (February 2, 2026), the Government of India announced the addition of two new sites to the List of Wetlands of International Importance, commonly known as Ramsar Sites. This brings India’s total tally to 98 sites, the highest in South Asia.

New Ramsar Sites (2026)

Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh): Despite its name, it is located in the Etah district of Uttar Pradesh, not Bihar. It is one of the smallest bird sanctuaries in India and a vital wintering ground for migratory birds.
Tharidaand Wetland (Gujarat): Situated in the Kutch region, this wetland plays a crucial role in maintaining the local groundwater table and supporting the unique biodiversity of the arid landscape.

Understanding Wetlands: Key Concepts

World Wetlands Day: Observed annually on February 2nd to commemorate the signing of the Ramsar Convention in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
The Ecotone: Wetlands serve as a classic example of an ecotone, a transition zone between two distinct biological communities (terrestrial and aquatic). Because they contain species from both environments, they often possess high biodiversity, a phenomenon known as the "edge effect."

The Crisis: Challenges and Degradation

Public health expert Dr. Soumya Swaminathan has advocated for wetlands to be classified as a "National Public Good," highlighting a severe environmental crisis:

Vanishing Ecosystems: India has lost approximately 40% of its wetlands over the last 30 years.
Degradation: Of the surviving wetlands, 50% are in a state of rapid degradation.
Primary Drivers: * Discharge of untreated industrial and agricultural sewage.
- Encroachment by construction on natural floodplains.
- Accumulation of solid waste.
Pollution Indicators: High levels of E. coli bacteria and chemical pollutants, particularly noted in the Ganga river basin, signal the collapse of natural filtration provided by these ecosystems.

Legal and Constitutional Framework

The protection of the environment, including wetlands and wildlife, is a shared responsibility in India’s federal structure:

Concurrent List: Environment and the protection of wild animals and birds are under the Concurrent List (Entry 17A and 17B).
42nd Amendment (1976): These subjects were moved from the State List to the Concurrent List, allowing both the Union and State governments to legislate on them.
Article 51A(g): It is a Fundamental Duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.

Way Forward

Community-Led Conservation: Moving beyond top-down regulation to involve local communities in "Wise Use" practices.
Standardized Mapping: Using satellite imagery to create a real-time "Wetland Inventory" to prevent further encroachment.
Integrated Management: Treating wetlands not as isolated water bodies but as integral parts of the wider hydrological cycle to ensure urban flood resilience.

Conclusion

As natural buffers against climate change and vital "kidneys of the landscape," wetlands are indispensable. The jump to 98 Ramsar sites is a significant milestone, but the focus must now shift from legal designation to active ecological restoration.

Conservation of Wetlands in India