Question : DEVELOPMENT OF WETLANDS

(a) The details of major wetlands in the country, State/U.T.-wise

(b) WHETHER A LARGE AREA OF WETLANDS IN THE COUNTRY IS SHRINKING DUE TO PROLIFERATION OF AQUATIC WEEDS LIKE WATER HYACINTH, ENCROACHMENT, ETC;

(c) IF SO, THE TOTAL AREA OF WETLANDS LOST DURING THE LAST THREE YEARS, State/UT-wise;

(d) Whether the occupation of the people living around the wetlands are affected due to the above reasons’ and

(e) If so, the schemes/programmes launched for the conservation of wetlands in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND OFRETS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a) The State/U.T-wise details of major wetlands identified in the country under National Wetland Conservation Programme are annexed.

(b) & (c). Large areas of wetlands in the country are shrinking due to proliferation of aquatic weeds, encroachments, etc. However, there are no corroborative evidences of estimated loss of wetlands due to these reasons for the last three years.

(d). Yes, Sir. Since people living around these areas depend for their livelihood on wetland ecosystem services, they are likely to be affected due to above reasons.

(e). Considering the importance of wetlands, the Ministry of Environment and Forests has identified 115 wetlands in the country, covering 24 States and two Union Territories for conservation and management under the National Wetland Conservation Programme for which 100% assistance is given for activities like survey & demarcation, catchment area treatment, desilting & dredging, bio-fencing, fisheries development, weed control, biodiversity conservation, pollution abatement, education & awareness and community participation, etc. Research projects are also supported to supplement execution of Management Action Plans.

So far, an amount of Rs. 95.97 crores has been released to the concerned state governments for conservation activities under various management action plans of identified wetlands.