Question : National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems

(a) whether the Government has made changes in the ‘National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems’ (NPCA) to support States in integrated management of these ecosystems, and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the scheme is being implemented in all States including Odisha, and if so, the details and present status thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the tenure of the Central Wetlands Regulatory Authority (CWRA) has expired, and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government has notified all wetlands under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, if so, the details thereof, and if not, the reasons therefor;
(e) whether all States have been asked to constitute State wetland authorities, and if so, the names of the States who have not constituted State Wetland Authorities so far; and
(f) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)

(a) & (b) The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) is currently implementing a centrally sponsored scheme namely, National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems (NPCA) for conservation and management of wetlands in the country on cost sharing basis between Central Government and respective State Governments/UTs. Under the scheme, States / UTs are required to submit Integrated Management Plan for Wetlands under their jurisdiction. Presently the projects are funded on 60:40 cost sharing pattern between Central and State Governments including Odisha (90:10 for North East Region (NER) and Hill States and for UT 100%).

(c) & (d) For more effective conservation and management of wetlands in the country, the Central Government in consultation with the States, Union Territories, Central line Ministries and other stakeholders, have notified the Wetlands (Conservation & Management) Rules, 2017 vide notification dated 26.09.2017 superseding the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010. As per the provision of these rules, National Wetlands Committee (NWC) under the chairmanship of Secretary (EFCC) has been constituted replacing the Central Wetland Regulatory Authority (CWRA) for a period of three years from the date of notification of the Wetlands Rules. Under the Wetland Rules, powers have been delegated to the State Wetlands Authorities for identification and notification of the wetlands.

(e) & (f) Yes Sir. As per the provision of Rule 5(1) & (2) of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017, the State/Union Territories Wetland Authorities have already been constituted. The States / UTs are required to nominate one expert each in field of wetland ecology, hydrology, fisheries, landscape planning and socio-economic and to constitute a technical committee to review brief documents, management plans and advise on any technical matter referred by the Wetland Authority; and a grievance committee consisting of four members to provide a mechanism for hearing and forwarding the grievances raised by public to the Authority.

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