SC to Examine if Law is Diluting the Count of Wetlands in India
Concept Linkage
GS-III: Environment, Biodiversity Conservation, Environmental Laws
Prelims: Ramsar Convention, Wetlands Rules
Context
The Supreme Court agreed to examine a challenge to the constitutional validity of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 over concerns that the present definition excludes several categories of wetlands from legal protection.
Key Highlights
- Petitioners argue that the present definition narrows the scope of protected wetlands.
- Artificial and human-made wetlands may be excluded from regulatory oversight.
- The challenge states that the Rules conflict with India’s obligations under the Ramsar Convention.
- Experts warn that weakening wetland identification criteria may reduce ecological safeguards.
Key Facts
- Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971) promotes conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
- Wetlands support flood moderation, groundwater recharge, water purification and biodiversity conservation.
- India has more than 90 Ramsar Sites.
- Wetlands Rules, 2017 provide the legal framework for wetland identification and management.
- Urban wetlands, reservoirs and floodplain wetlands also support biodiversity and livelihoods.
