(a) whether the Government has implemented the National Wetland Conservation Programme
(NWCP) in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the total area covered under NCWP during the
last three years and the current year, State-wise;
(c) whether the Government has received any proposals from certain quarters for
identification of new wetlands in the country; and
(d) if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (DR. M. VEERAPPA MOILY)
(a) & (b) The Ministry has been providing financial assistance to the States under the National
Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) for undertaking conservation and management of identified
wetlands in the country till the year 2012-13. Under the NWCP, 115 wetlands have been identified
in 24 States and two Union Territories for conservation and management. To have better synergy
and avoid overlap, the schemes of NWCP & National Lake Conservation Plan have been merged and a
new integrated scheme namely ‘National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems’ (NPCA) has
been introduced in February, 2013. So far, an amount of Rs. 132.65 crore has been released to
the State Governments for various conservation and management activities in identified wetlands.
The details of State-wise area covered during last three years and the current financial year
under the NWCP & NPCA are annexed.
(c) & (d) The Ministry had received nine proposals from the States of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and
Tamil Nadu for identification of new wetlands. However, the State Governments were advised to
submit the proposals for identification of wetlands as per the National Wetland Atlas prepared
by Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad. Thereafter, no revised proposals have been received
from any State.