Wetlands and Wetland Biodiversity Conservation and Management Scenario in India

The present paper deals with extent, distribution and threats to wetlands as well as their biodiversity conservation and management scenario in India. The state-wise distribution of wetlands reflects highest area of natural wetlands in Gujarat and manmade wetlands in Karnataka. Madhya Pradesh has the highest area of reservoirs (0.29 million ha), while the freshwater tanks and ponds is represented highest in Tamil Nadu (0.69 million ha) and that of floodplain lakes in Assam (0.1 million ha). Major threats to major categories of freshwater and brackishwater wetlands in India include encroachment, reclamation, habitat destruction, siltation, timber cutting, overexploitation, weed infestation, eutrophication, pollution and poaching of wildlife, etc. The major initiatives, activities, strategies and management needs towards conservation and management of wetlands in India have been depicted and discussed. An integrated area development approach to wetland conservation and management at the Block Development level in rural areas and at the municipal level in urban areas is suggested. A model of multipurpose concept of wise use of wetlands under the umbrella of an Integrated Area Development Network Programme (IADNP) is shown towards conservation and sustainable development representing urban wetlands in Kolkata.