Identifying wetlands As per Wetland Rules (2010)

Framework of the Wetland Rules Inventory of Wetlands Restriction of activities Regulatory Authorities Appeal Process

Wetlands Defined (Wetland Rules) wetland means an area of marsh, fen, peatland or water, natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine waters, the depth of which at low tides does not exceed six metres and includes all inland waters such as lakes, reservoir, tanks, backwaters, lagoons, creeks, estuaries and manmade wetland and zone of direct influence on wetlands that is to say the drainage area or catchment region of the wetlands as determined by the Authority but does not include main river channel, paddy field and coastal wetland

Procedure to be Followed Identification and classification of wetland Preparation of ‘Brief Document’ 6 months Reference to a research institute/ university of the document 30 days Opinion of the Research Institute/ University with reference to identification 90 days

For brief document on wetland Brief document is to be made by the forest department IBCN will help the forest department by providing information on wetland (refer next slide)

Creation of brief document All information about the wetland should be included such as: Extent, size Bird data- water fowl Seasonal variation

Submission of brief document The brief document then needs to be submitted by forest department to a recognised university which has to approve the document

Authority to take decision within 90 days of receipt of Report 90 days Central Government to invite objections and suggestions from general public 60 days Consideration of representation by the Wetland Authority 60 days Final Notification of Wetland On Receipt of Recommendation from Wetland Authority

Protected Wetlands [Rule 3] Ramsar Sites [Rule 3 (i)] Wetlands in Areas that are ecologically sensitive High Altitude Wetland/ Wetland Complexes Other Wetlands Wetland or Wetland Complexes

What are Ecologically Sensitive Areas As stated in the Wetland Rules as including National Parks, RF, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, areas rich in genetic diversity ESA’s notified by the Central Government under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 Ad Hoc Eco sensitive Areas as mentioned in the Goa Foundation Versus Union of India [W.P No 450 of 2005] Areas to be declared as ESA’s Around National Parks and Sanctuaries Ecologically Sensitive Areas

High Altitude Wetlands/ Complex 2500 Mts >= 5 Hectares Wetland / Wetland Complex Below 2500 Mts >=500 hectres

Wetland Complex

Zone of Direct Influence or Catchment Region

Ecologically Sensitive Areas as per Goa Foundation case States to notify Ecologically sensitive areas around Protected Areas All projects which are within 10 Kms of the boundary of National Parks and Sanctuaries and which require EIA must be placed before the Standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife

Other Procedure for inclusion of wetlands Suo moto power of the Wetland Application made before the Wetland Authority Authority can issue direction for inclusion of Wetland

Restriction on Wetlands Reclamation of Wetlands Setting up of new industries and expansion Solid Waste Dumping Any other activity likely to have adverse impact on ecosystem Construction of permanent nature Discharge of Untreated Waste and effluents

Activities requiring Prior Approval Withdrawal of water, impoundment or interruption of water sources Harvesting of living and non living resources Dredging Acquaculture, agriculture

Procedure for Approval for Non Wetland Use Prohibited Activities can be allowed by Central Government Recommendation of the Wetland Authority is mandatory Detailed EIA to be Prepared in accordance with the EIA Notification