Classification of Wetlands (for better management):

Question 1

Ramsar Wetlands: Internationally recognized under the Ramsar Convention.

Answer 1

National Wetlands: Identified under NPCA and managed by State/UT governments.

Question 2

State Wetlands: Managed and notified by respective State/UT authorities

Question 3

National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA):

Answer 3

Centrally Sponsored Scheme for conservation of lakes and wetlands.Merged National Lake Conservation Plan and National Wetlands Conservation Programme.70:30 funding pattern (90:10 for NE States).MoEF coordinates, states manage aquatic ecosystems.Criteria based on the Ramsar Convention for identifying wetlands.

Question 4

Wetlands (Conservation-Management) Rules 2010:

Answer 4

Notified under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.Central Wetland Regulatory Authority (CWRA) for implementation.Classification of wetlands.Prohibits harmful activities (industrialization, permanent constructions, waste dumping).Allows regulated activities (aquaculture, agriculture) with permission.

Question 5

Wetlands (Conservation-Management) Rules 2017:

Answer 5

Replaced the 2010 Rules.Decentralized management: States/UTs empowered to identify and notify wetlands.National Wetland Committee guides states and oversees Ramsar site management.

Question 6

State Wetland Authority:

Answer 6

Headed by Environment Minister, includes experts in relevant fields.Manages wetlands, identifies, and notifies them for protection.Develops a comprehensive list of regulated and permitted activities.Prepares a digital inventory of all wetlands.