Wetlands
Wetlands
Context:
A petition filed by environmental activists argued that the 2017 Rules wrongly exclude many human-made wetlands from legal protection.
Facts for Prelims:
Exceptions in definition of wetlands under Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017
Ramsar convention
Adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, this global treaty provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation of wetlands.
According to Article 1.1 of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands,the official definition is:
"Wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres."
Five Prominent Ramsar Sites in India
Sundarban Wetland, West Bengal:
The largest designated Ramsar site in India, forming a critical, highly biodiverse mangrove ecosystem.
Chilika Lake, Odisha:
Designated in 1981 as India's first Ramsar site, it stands as Asia's largest brackish water coastal lagoon.
Vembanad Kol Wetland, Kerala:
The longest wetland network in the country, fed by multiple river systems flowing into the Arabian Sea.
Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan:
A famous man-made, managed wetland system that serves as a vital wintering ground for rare migratory waterfowl.
Renuka Wetland, Himachal Pradesh:
A natural freshwater lake with surrounding subterranean springs, recognized as the smallest Ramsar site in India.