05 Jun Rajasthan Gets Two New Ramsar Sites, PM Lauds Milestone
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the Topic of Rajasthan Gets Two New Ramsar Sites, PM Lauds Milestone.
SYLLABUS MAPPING:
GS-3-Environment- Rajasthan Gets Two New Ramsar Sites, PM Lauds Milestone
FOR PRELIMS
What are wetlands, and why are they important for biodiversity and human livelihoods? Discuss with examples from India.
FOR MAINS
What gaps existed in the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010? How have the 2017 rules attempted to overcome these gaps?
Why in the News?
India has added two more wetlands—Khichan (Phalodi) and Menar (Udaipur) in Rajasthan—to the prestigious list of Ramsar Sites, bringing the total number of such sites in the country to 91. This marks another step forward in India’s commitment to wetland and biodiversity conservation. The Prime Minister hailed this development as a reflection of India’s strong progress in environmental protection. Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav shared the update, highlighting it as a result of PM Modi’s consistent focus on ecological preservation.
What is a wetland?
The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 and 2017 were enacted by the Government of India under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to ensure the sustainable conservation and management of wetlands across the country. The 2010 Rules marked India’s first comprehensive regulatory framework specifically dedicated to wetlands, laying down procedures for their identification, notification, and protection. However, certain gaps and implementation challenges in the 2010 Rules led to the introduction of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. The revised rules aimed to address the shortcomings of the earlier framework by strengthening the role of state authorities, restricting harmful activities, and ensuring better monitoring and management of notified wetlands.
What is the Ramsar Convention?
The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It came into force in 1975 and aims to halt the worldwide loss of wetlands and ensure their wise use through local, regional, and national actions and international cooperation. Wetlands designated under this convention are known as Ramsar Sites and are recognized for their ecological, botanical, zoological, limnological, or hydrological significance. India became a contracting party to the Ramsar Convention in 1982, and as of 2025, it has 91 Ramsar Sites, reflecting its commitment to wetland conservation.
Principle of the Ramsar site
1. Wise Use Principle: Wetlands should be used sustainably to maintain their ecological character and provide ecosystem services for present and future generations.
2. Ecological Character Maintenance: Member countries must maintain the ecological character of designated wetlands and monitor any changes.
3. Integrated Management: Wetlands should be managed in an integrated manner, considering their role in water cycles, biodiversity, and local livelihoods.
4. International Cooperation: Countries sharing transboundary wetlands are encouraged to collaborate on their conservation and management.
5. Designation of Wetlands of International Importance: Parties commit to identifying and designating suitable wetlands to the Ramsar List and ensuring their effective protection.
6. Public Awareness and Participation: Local communities and stakeholders should be involved in the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
Key facts about the Ramsar two-site
| S. No. | Ramsar Site | Location | Year of Designation | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Khichan Wetland | Phalodi (Jodhpur) | 2025 | Renowned for hosting thousands of migratory Demoiselle cranes, the community-led conservation efforts. |
| 2 | Menar Wetland | Udaipur | 2025 | Known as the ‘Bird Village’ of Rajasthan, it supports over 180 bird species and is exemplary community-driven conservation. |
| 3 | Keoladeo National Park | Bharatpur | 1981 | UNESCO World Heritage Site; critical habitat for migratory waterfowl. |
| 4 | Sambhar Lake | Sambhar (Jaipur) | 1990 | India’s largest inland saline wetland is significant for flamingoes and salt production. |
Limitations of Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010
1. Limited Focus on Livelihood and Water Security: The rules do not specifically protect wetlands that are critical for local livelihoods or as sources of drinking water for dependent communities.
2. Exclusion of Small but Important Wetlands: Many smaller wetlands, jheels, tanks, and ponds that provide important ecological and social functions were left out of the regulatory framework.
3. No Decentralized Regulatory Bodies: The absence of state and district-level Wetland Regulatory Authorities limited local-level participation and effective management.
4. Lack of Community Involvement: There was no provision for including community representatives such as farmers, fishers, or local stakeholders in the decision-making process.
5. Centralized Control: The rules centralized authority with the Central Wetlands Regulatory Authority, reducing the scope for localized adaptive management.
6. Inadequate Protection for Urban Wetlands: Many urban wetlands, facing intense development pressures, were not adequately covered or protected.
7. Weak Enforcement Mechanism: The rules lacked clear mechanisms for enforcement and monitoring, leading to poor compliance and continued degradation.
8. No Provisions for Wetland Restoration: The focus was mostly on protection, with insufficient emphasis on restoration and rejuvenation of degraded wetlands.
Conclusion
The addition of Khichan and Menar wetlands to India’s Ramsar Sites list underscores the country’s growing commitment to preserving its rich wetland biodiversity. While the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules of 2010 laid the groundwork for protecting these vital ecosystems, addressing their limitations through the 2017 Rules has strengthened local management and regulatory frameworks. Effective conservation of wetlands is crucial not only for maintaining biodiversity but also for sustaining livelihoods, water security, and climate resilience. Continued efforts involving community participation, decentralized governance, and strong enforcement will be essential for safeguarding India’s wetlands for future generations.
Download Plutus IAS Current Affairs (Eng) 5th June 2025
Prelims Questions
Q. With reference to Ramsar Sites and Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, consider the following statements:
1. The Ramsar Convention aims to halt the worldwide loss of wetlands and promote their sustainable use.
2. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010, mandated the creation of State Wetlands Authorities in every state.
3. Khichan and Menar wetlands in Rajasthan were added to India’s Ramsar Sites list in 2025.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: B
Mains Questions
Q. Discuss the significance of wetlands and the role of the Ramsar Convention in their conservation. How do recent additions like Khichan and Menar wetlands to the Ramsar Sites list reflect India’s commitment to ecological preservation?
(250 words, 15 marks)
No Comments