Introduction
The Meghalaya High Court, through a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL), has initiated action on the conservation of wetlands in the state, emphasizing their ecological and economic importance.
This move aligns with national and international efforts such as the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971), which aims to promote the sustainable management of wetlands worldwide.
Importance of Wetlands
Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems and offer numerous ecological benefits, such as:
Water purification
Groundwater recharge
Flood control
Biodiversity conservation
To raise awareness of their significance, World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2 annually. The theme for 2024, "Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future," underscores their role in sustainable development.
Wetlands: Global Significance
Wetlands as Critical Ecosystems
Wetlands cover 6% of the Earth’s surface.
They provide 40.6% of global ecosystem services.
Serve as carbon sinks, helping in climate change mitigation.
Function as natural flood buffers, absorbing excess water.
Support fisheries, agriculture, and livelihoods.
Global Wetland Degradation
Over 50% of wetlands have been lost since 1900 due to human activities.
Between 1970 and 2015, 35% of global wetland areas declined.
The Wetland Extent Trends (WET) index shows an annual wetland loss rate of 0.78%, which is three times faster than forest loss.
Threats to Wetlands
Anthropogenic (Human-Induced) Threats
Urbanization & Industrialization: Encroachments and pollution increase due to rapid urban expansion.
Agricultural Expansion: Wetlands are drained for farming, causing habitat destruction.
Infrastructure Development: Construction of roads, dams, and ports disrupts wetland ecosystems.
Pollution: Industrial waste, sewage, and plastic pollution degrade wetland quality.
Climate Change Impacts
Rising temperatures alter wetland hydrology, threatening wetland-dependent species.
Unpredictable rainfall patterns lead to droughts or excessive flooding.
Sea level rise endangers mangroves and coastal wetlands.
Extreme weather events (cyclones, floods) further degrade wetlands.
Conservation Efforts: National & International Perspectives
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971)
The only global treaty focused on wetland conservation.
COP14 (2022) emphasized:
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) integration.
Collaboration with climate change policies (IPCC, UNFCCC).
UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration alignment.
India’s Wetland Conservation Framework
National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) provides financial and technical support for conservation.
Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017:
Prohibits conversion of wetlands for non-wetland purposes.
Establishes State Wetland Authorities (SWA).
As of 2023, India has 75 Ramsar sites covering 1.33 million hectares.
Meghalaya High Court’s Suo Motu PIL: A Landmark Decision
Rationale for the PIL
Meghalaya has rich wetland ecosystems, crucial for biodiversity and water security.
Encroachments, mining, and unregulated tourism threaten these wetlands.
The court’s intervention aims to ensure strict conservation measures.
Key Directives Issued
Creation of a State Wetland Authority to oversee conservation.
Mapping and Identification of Meghalaya’s wetlands.
Strict regulation on encroachments and commercial activities.
Awareness programs for community engagement in wetland conservation.
Way Forward
Policy Interventions
Strict enforcement of Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
Strengthen monitoring mechanisms for Ramsar sites.
Implement the Fifth Ramsar Strategic Plan for global collaboration.
Community-Based Conservation
Engage local communities in conservation efforts.
Leverage traditional knowledge for sustainable wetland management.
Promote eco-tourism for revenue generation while preserving ecosystems.
Scientific & Technological Innovations
GIS & Remote Sensing for real-time wetland monitoring.
Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) like wetland restoration projects.
Enhance carbon sequestration by protecting peatlands.
Climate Resilience Strategies
Integrate wetlands in disaster risk reduction.
Afforestation of mangroves to enhance coastal resilience.
Urban planning incorporating wetlands for sustainable development.
Conclusion
The Meghalaya High Court’s PIL is a significant step toward wetland conservation in India. Effective legal, scientific, and community-based interventions are essential to protect and restore these vital ecosystems. Strengthening wetland governance and international cooperation will be key to achieving sustainable development and climate resilience.
UPSC MCQs on Wetland Conservation
Which of the following statements about wetlands is incorrect? a) Wetlands help in flood control.
b) Wetlands store carbon and mitigate climate change.
c) Wetlands have no role in groundwater recharge.
d) Wetlands support fisheries and agriculture.
Answer: c) Wetlands have no role in groundwater recharge.The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was signed in: a) 1971
b) 1982
c) 1994
d) 2000
Answer: a) 1971Which of the following Indian laws regulates wetland conservation? a) Forest Conservation Act, 1980
b) Environmental Protection Act, 1986
c) Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017
d) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Answer: c) Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017
Mains Question on Wetland Conservation
Q: "Wetlands are the kidneys of the environment, yet they are under severe threat." Discuss the significance of wetlands and suggest measures for their conservation in India. (250 words).
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