(a) the area covered under wetland, State-wise;
(b) whether the Government has chalked out any strategy to ensure conservation of
wetland in the country;
(c) if so, the details thereof alongwith the ongoing wetland projects;
(d) whether India is party to Ramsar Convention or wetland conservation; and
(e) if so, the wetland projects being covered under the said convention alongwith the
steps proposed/taken by the Government to conserve the same?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) to (e) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION 304 DUE FOR REPLY ON 13.3.2006
REGARDING CONSERVATION OF WETLAND BY SHRI REWATI RAMAN SINGH AND DR. K.S. MANOJ
(a) As per the available information on record, the area under wetlands (comprising
both natural and manmade wetlands) is 40,40,137 ha. The state- wise area is furnished in
the Annexure.
(b) Yes, Sir. The strategy for conservation of wetlands in the country comprises
inventorising the wetlands; identification of appropriate sites in consultation with
State Governments & UT Administrations; ensuring biodiversity conservation; recourse
to preventive & curative measures to arrest degradation; securing local
communities` participation; reducing biotic stress on wetlands through supplementary
and alternative livelihood options;and awareness- creation among, and sensitization of
stakeholders through Interpretation Centers, & Education.
(c) At present, 71 wetlands located in 22 states have been identified for inclusion
under National Wetland Conservation Programme for Conservation & Management. Management
Action Plans for 35 wetlands have been approved so far.
(d)&(e) Yes Sir. India is a party to Ramsar Convention. So far, 25 sites have been
identified from India as Ramsar sites under Ramsar Convention which include: Ashtamudi,
Sastharnkotta & Vembanad-Kol ( Kerala) Chilika Lake & Bhitarkanika Mangroves ( Orissa),
Bhoj Wetland (M.P.), DeeporBeel( Assam) Harike, Kanjli & Ropar ( Punjab), East Kolkata
Wetlands ( W.B.), Keoladeo National Park & Sambhar Lake ( Rajasthan) , Kolleru Lake
( A.P.), Loktak Lake ( Manipur), Point Calimere (T.N.), Pong Dam Lake, Chandratal &
Renuka ( H.P.), Tsomorari, Wular, Surinsar - Mansar, Hokarsar (J&K), Rudrasagar
(Tripura) and Uppar Ganga (U.P.).Ramsar sites are given assistance taking into account
relevant factors i.e. the states` requirements, fulfilment of eligibility criteria &
prescribed parameters, & fund availability.