Centre notifies rules for better wetland management

In a move that recognises the importance of wetlands as sensitive ecosystems having biodiversity values, the centre yesterday notified rules for their conservation and management that will serve to restrict harmful activities such as dumping of untreated waste, industrialisation and construction in their vicinity.

The rules are meant to ensure better conservation of wetlands and prevent their degradation in view of the fact that one-third of India's wetlands are extinct or severely degraded.

Welcoming the move as a positive step, environment minister Jairam Ramesh said, it was the first instance of introduction of legally enforceable rule for wetlands management.

''This will go a long way in protecting our wetlands, which are under severe threat,'' Ramesh said.

The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010, have been framed to ensure better wetland conservation and prevention of their degradation.

Under to the rules, wetlands have been classified for better management and easier identification. Wetland regulatory authorities and appraisal committees have been set up at the central, state and district levels to ensure proper implementation of the rules.