India adds wetlands to the global list. But are they really protected?

India has added four new wetlands to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, announced on World Wetlands Day (February 2).

The country now has 89 of these sites, making it the nation with the most Ramsar sites in Asia and the third highest number of such sites in the world. Tamil Nadu has the most number of Ramsar sites in India, 20 in number.

This is a positive step for conservation and demonstrates the country’s commitment to protecting its wetlands. These are important because they support lots of different plants and animals, control the weather, and give resources to millions of people. 

But the real question is: does a Ramsar designation guarantee true protection for these sites?

What exactly are Ramsar sites? 

The Ramsar Convention is an international agreement from 1971 that aims to protect wetlands worldwide, as these areas are vital for keeping plants and animals healthy and ensuring future water resources. 

Wetlands clean water, store carbon, help prevent floods and provide a home for many species. When a wetland becomes a Ramsar site, it is recognised as globally important and must be protected by national and international rules.

India joined the Convention in 1982 and has been adding more sites, with these new additions being significant. However, the real challenge is ensuring these sites are not just names on a list, but healthy and thriving ecosystems.

India’s four new Ramsar sites include Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary and Therthangal Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Khecheopalri Wetland in Sikkim and Udhwa Lake in Jharkhand. This marks a significant milestone for Sikkim and Jharkhand, as they have secured their first-ever Ramsar sites.

Recognition vs real protection

While adding wetlands to the Ramsar list is a positive step, it does not guarantee protection. Many Ramsar sites in India still face threats like pollution, encroachment, and mismanagement.

For example, Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan suffers from illegal salt mining and bird deaths due to habitat damage. Recently, the state wetland authority approved boundary demarcation to protect it. However, without strong enforcement, the Ramsar tag risks becoming just a label.

Another case is Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. In 2020, the state proposed reducing its size by 40 per cent for commercial use. Conservationists and local communities opposed this, and the plan was withdrawn in 2021. This reflects the ongoing struggle between conservation and development.

There is a contradiction in India’s approach. The government adds sites to the Ramsar list while also permitting harmful activities like mining and land reclamation near wetlands.

The Narmada river basin, including wetlands like Kolar Dam, faces threats from sand mining. This damages the river’s ecosystem and harms fish and birds. Despite court and tribunal orders, illegal sand mining continues in places like Dhar and Badwani. This affects both wildlife and the livelihoods of fishers.

If destructive activities are allowed to continue, how can these wetlands be truly protected?

Furthermore, India’s Ramsar sites are not evenly distributed. Tamil Nadu has 20 Ramsar sites, while states like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Himachal Pradesh have fewer.

Tamil Nadu’s efforts in wetland conservation are commendable. However, this imbalance raises concerns about regional conservation priorities.

Odisha and Chhattisgarh have rich wetland ecosystems, yet many of their wetlands lack Ramsar recognition. This leaves them vulnerable to threats like mining, dam construction, and urban expansion.

Without equal attention to all regions, many important wetlands remain unprotected.

Local communities have traditionally relied on wetlands for resources and have deep knowledge of these ecosystems. Instead of imposing top-down conservation policies that restrict their livelihoods, conservation efforts should empower local communities to engage in sustainable practices. 

Ramsar sites should support traditional knowledge alongside modern conservation, ensuring wetlands stay healthy and productive when communities are involved.

So, what is next for wetland conservation in India? 

While these new Ramsar sites are worth celebrating, the real challenge lies in ensuring their protection through proper management, monitoring, and enforcement. 

The government must prevent mining and industrial activities from damaging these ecosystems. Without strong action, the Ramsar tag will mean little.

There’s a contradiction in policy, while protecting wetlands on one hand, harmful activities continue on the other. A balanced approach is needed, one that safeguards nature while considering development. 

India can lead in wetland conservation, but only with real commitment, ensuring the Ramsar tag stands for genuine protection and sustainable management, not just a title.