Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017

The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 create a notification-based regulatory framework for conserving wetlands and maintaining their ecological character. Issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, they replace the 2010 Rules and emphasise decentralised management and the principle of wise use.

Scope and governing approach

The Rules apply to Ramsar sites and wetlands notified by the Central Government, State Governments or Union Territory administrations. They require wetlands to be identified, delineated and managed together with their zone of influence.

• Certain areas already governed under forest, wildlife and coastal regulation laws are excluded from the Rules' application.
• River channels, paddy fields and specified human-made water bodies created for purposes such as irrigation, aquaculture, drinking water or salt production are excluded.
• Wise use means maintaining a wetland's ecological character through ecosystem approaches within sustainable development.

Institutional framework

Each State and Union Territory must constitute a Wetlands Authority, while the National Wetlands Committee advises the Central Government and monitors implementation.

• Wetlands Authorities prepare inventories, recommend wetlands for notification, define prohibited and regulated activities, and develop integrated management plans.
• The notification specifies the wetland boundary, zone of influence, ecological character, permitted uses and site-specific regulatory conditions.
• The National Wetlands Committee advises on policies, Ramsar site proposals, transboundary wetlands and implementation of the Rules.

Regulation of activities

The Rules combine a common list of prohibitions with site-specific regulation based on a wetland's ecological requirements.

• Prohibited activities include conversion for non-wetland uses, encroachment, setting up or expansion of industries, solid-waste dumping and discharge of untreated effluents.
• Permanent construction is prohibited within 50 metres of the mean high flood level, except specified structures such as boat jetties.
• Wetlands Authorities may recommend additional prohibited activities and regulate other activities through the wetland notification and management plan.
• Activities compatible with conservation may continue according to the principle of wise use.

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