India 2018

Environment 211
system and sewage treatment plants, interception and diversion of sewage,
desilting, catchment area treatment, storm water management etc. Conservation
works for 34 lakes have been completed. Major projects presently under
implementation include Dal lake in Jammu & Kashmir, Shivpuri and Sindh
Sagar lakes in Madhya Pradesh, twin lakes at Mokokchung in Nagaland (NE
region), Annasagar, Pushkar and Pichola lakes in Rajasthan, Ramgarh Tal and
Laxmital in Uttar Pradesh.
Conservation of Wetlands
Wetlands are lifeline for a very large number of people and an important source
of fresh water to mankind. They provide a host of ecosystem services to
humanity, in addition to being host to rich biodiversity. However, due to
anthropogenic activities, wetlands are getting degraded. Major pressures on
wetlands include fragmentation of hydrological regimes, siltation from degraded
catchments, pollution, spread of invasive species and over-harvesting of
resources.
To control degradation and conserve wetlands, the National Wetland
Conservation Programme (NWCP) was initiated in 1987 and financial assistance
is being provided to the state governments for implementing action plans for
conservation and management of identified wetlands.
Ramsar Convention
As a commitment for conserving potential wetlands, India became a signatory
to the Ramsar Convention in 1982. As per this convention, India is committed
for international cooperation and to take national action for conservation and
wise use of Wetlands. At present there are 26 Ramsar sites in India.
The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2010
To implement the objectives of the convention, a regulatory mechanism was
put in place through Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules in
December, 2010 vide GSR-951(E). Central Wetland Regulatory Authority
(CWRA) has been constituted under the Wetlands Rules, 2010. 25 wetlands
spread over 14 states have already been notified under these Rules.
World Wetland Day
Each year, World Wetland Day is celebrated on 2 nd February for increasing
awareness and spreading need for conservation and wise use of wetlands all
over the world. The World Wetland Day-2017 with the theme 'Wetlands for
Disaster Risk Reduction' was celebrated in collaboration with the Government
of Madhya Pradesh at Bhoj Wetlands, Bhopal, one of the 26 Ramsar Sites that
India has designated under the Ramsar Convention.
National Affor
forestation and Eco-Development Board
In order to promote afforestation, tree planting, ecological restoration and ecodevelopment
activities in the country, the National Afforestation and Eco-