The National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems (NPCA) is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) for the conservation and management of wetlands, including lakes, in India on a cost-sharing basis between the Central Government and the respective State Governments. The NPCA scheme was formed by merging the National Wetlands Conservation Programme (NWCP) and National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) in 2013.

The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017 were notified by the MoEF&CC as the regulatory framework for the conservation and management of wetlands across the country without restricting their wise use.

What is a Wetland?

According to the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017, a wetland is an area of marsh, fen, peat land, or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish, or salt. Areas of marine water, the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters, are considered wetlands.

Wetlands in India

India has a total wetland area estimated at 15.98 million hectares, including rivers and excluding paddy field areas, which is around 4.86% of the geographic area of the country. The State/UT Wetland Authorities have been constituted, and powers for the identification and notification of wetlands have been delegated to the State Governments and UT Administrations.

Types of Wetlands in India

There are four types of wetlands in India:

  1. Inland wetlands – natural (43.40%), inland wetlands – man-made (25.83%), coastal wetlands – natural (24.27%), and coastal wetlands – man-made (2.86%).
  2. Inland wetlands – Natural – include Lakes/ponds, Ox-bow lakes/ cut-off meanders, High-altitude wetlands, Riverine wetlands, waterlogged, and River/stream.
  3. Inland wetlands – Man-made – include Reservoirs/barrages, Tanks/ponds, waterlogged, and Salt pans.
  4. Coastal wetlands – Natural – include Lagoons, Creeks, Sand/beach/ Intertidal mud flats, Salt marsh, Mangroves, and Coral reefs.
  5. Coastal wetlands – Man-made – include Salt pans and Aquaculture ponds.
The Ramsar Convention

The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation of wetlands, and India ratified it in 1982. Recently, ten new wetlands were declared as Ramsar sites. The designation of the Ramsar site recognizes these areas as being of significant value and embodies the government’s commitment to taking the necessary steps to ensure that their ecological character is maintained.

Significance of Wetlands

Wetlands are significant for several reasons, including:

  1. 40% of animals breed in wetlands.
  2. They clean the environment of pollutants.
  3. They store 30% of land-based carbon.
  4. They absorb storm surges.
  5. Wetlands provide a livelihood to one billion people.
Why In News

National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems (NPCA) scheme is a crucial initiative by the Indian Government for the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands, including lakes, in the country. The scheme operates on a cost-sharing basis between the Central Government and State Governments, and aims to promote the restoration, conservation, and wise-use of wetlands to protect their ecological, social, and economic significance.

MCQs on Importance of Wetlands in India

  1. What is the total wetland area estimated in India?
    A. 15.98 million hectare (mha)
    B. 18.75 million hectare (mha)
    C. 12.43 million hectare (mha)
    D. 20.00 million hectare (mha)
    Correct Answer: A. 15.98 million hectare (mha)
    Explanation: The essay states that the total wetland area estimated in India is 15.98 million hectare (mha).
  2. Which ministry is currently implementing the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems scheme?
    A. Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC)
    B. Ministry of Agriculture
    C. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
    D. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
    Correct Answer: A. Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC)
    Explanation: The essay states that MoEF&CC is currently implementing NPCA scheme for conservation and management of wetlands (includes lakes) in the country.
  3. What percentage of animals breed in wetlands?
    A. 40%
    B. 30%
    C. 50%
    D. 20%
    Correct Answer: A. 40%
    Explanation: The essay states that 40% of animals breed in wetlands.
  4. What is the regulatory framework for conservation and management of wetlands across India?
    A. Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017
    B. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
    C. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
    D. Forest Conservation Act, 1980
    Correct Answer: A. Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017
    Explanation: The essay states that MoEF&CC has notified Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 as regulatory framework for conservation and management of wetlands across the country.

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