Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017

• Notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Replaced the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010.
• Aim: To ensure conservation, wise use, and management of India’s wetlands through decentralized governance and scientific planning.

Key Provisions of the Rules

• Scope: Wetlands include areas of marsh, fen, peatland, or water (natural or artificial, permanent or temporary) — excluding paddy fields and man-made tanks for drinking or aquaculture.
• Prohibited Activities:
  • Reclamation or encroachment.
  • Industrial or construction activities.
  • Discharge of untreated waste, effluents, or solid waste.
  • Permanent constructions except for conservation and community benefit.
• Regulatory Bodies:
  • National Wetland Committee (NWC): Advises policy and coordination at the national level.
  • State Wetland Authority (SWA): Headed by the Chief Minister or Minister for Environment, responsible for identification, notification, and management of wetlands within the state.
• Wetland Identification & Notification: States must prepare a list of wetlands based on ecological significance and submit proposals for notification and demarcation.
• Integrated Management Plan (IMP): Each notified wetland must have an IMP focusing on wise use principles balancing conservation and livelihood needs
• The Rules align with Ramsar Convention (1971) principles, which India has ratified for wetland protection and wise use.

About Futala Lake, Nagpur

• Location: Situated in Nagpur, Maharashtra, spread over about 60 acres, it is one of the city’s oldest and most famous lakes, believed to be over 200 years old.
• Origin: Built by the Bhonsle kings of Nagpur during the 18th century.
• Purpose: Initially created as a water reservoir; today, it serves as a major recreational and cultural site.