On 10th April 2018, Rajasthan Government had issued notification for State Wetland Authority to be setup under the Central Government Wetlands ( Conservation & Management) Rules 2019. However, there has been no information on working of the authority.
In November 2019, after the recent deaths of more than 18000 birds in Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot ordered the authority to be made operational at the earliest.
Rajasthan has a number of both fresh & saline lakes supporting unique ecosystems, including Sambhar & keoladeo Ghana that have the prestigious Ramsar Convention Wetland status. However, still the successive state governments have neglected the protection of natural ecosystem of lakes.
Also Read: National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) in Rajasthan
State Wetland Authority
- Will be headed by state environment minister.
- Would comprise chief secretary, additional chief secretary (ACS), urban development and housing (UDH), ACS (revenue) and principal secretary (tourism), principal secretary (local self-government) and senior officials and experts from 12 departments.
- Will also include one expert each in the field of wetland ecology, hydrology, fisheries, landscape planning and socio-economics to be nominated by the state government.
Once functional, the authority will develop a comprehensive list of activities to be regulated and permitted within the notified wetlands and their zone of influence, recommend additional prohibited activities for specific wetlands, define strategies for conservation and wise use of wetlands, and undertake measures for enhancing awareness within stakeholders and local communities on values and functions of wetlands.
Reference:
- State Wetland Authority Order – Download PDF
