Concern over threat to wetlands from pollution, encroachments

Wetland conservation is facing various threats due to anthropogenic pressures like encroachments, degradation and pollution.

This was stated by Sanjay Sood, Principal Chief Conservator Forest (PCCF) while highlighting the remarkable diversity of Himachal Pradesh’s ecology and climate, which makes the state’s wetlands unique in the country. He was speaking at the two-day workshop “Northern Region Sahbhagita for Conservation and Wise Use of Wetlands being organised by Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology and Environment (HIMCOSTE) in collaboration with Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Sood also noted that these wetlands are facing various threats due to anthropogenic pressures. “Since most wetlands are within forest areas, the Forest Department’s active role and the cooperation of site managers are essential for their conservation,” he emphasised.

Ved Prakash Mishra, Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, provided a national perspective on wetlands conservation and management, connecting with his experience and emphasising the crucial role of participatory conservation under Mission Sahbhagita. Describing wetlands as the kidneys of the landscape, he highlighted their ecological and cultural significance.

Mishra also acknowledged the growing threats to wetlands like encroachment. Reflecting on India’s journey in wetlands conservation, he reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening institutional frameworks and expanding conservation efforts through stakeholder collaboration and private sector engagement, ensuring a sustainable future for these vital ecosystems.

Sushil Kumar Singla, Secretary (Environment, Science, Technology and Climate Change) emphasised the importance of concerted efforts toward wetlands conservation. He emphasized the growing recognition of wetlands as potential eco-tourism hubs, citing locations like Renuka wetland, Pong Dam and other wetlands of Himachal which attract birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts worldwide.

Participants from Punjab, Uttrakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Chandigarh, Haryana, New Delhi and Uttar Pradesh along with knowledge partners and experts are attending this workshop. The participants deliberated on issues like boundary demarcation of wetlands, designation of Ramsar Sites and the preparation of health cards for wetland areas, identification of key challenges faced in the conservation and management of wetlands within each region.