Consider the following statements:Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Govern

Q: What is UPSC Prelims?

UPSC Prelims is a competitive examination conducted in India. This question is from the 2019 UPSC Prelims Environment & Ecology paper.

Q: How can I prepare for UPSC Prelims Environment & Ecology?

To prepare for UPSC Prelims Environment & Ecology, practice previous year questions (PYQs), understand concepts thoroughly, and solve mock tests regularly. This 2019 question covers Wetlands, Mangroves & Ramsar Sites topic.

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This UPSC Prelims 2019 Environment & Ecology question has a hard difficulty level and is marked as an important question.

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Question

Consider the following statements:Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendation of Ramsar Convention.The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: B — 2 and 3 onlyStep-by-step Solution:Statement 1 — Ramsar Convention makes it mandatory for India to protect ALL wetlands: This is incorrect. The Ramsar Convention (formally the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat, 1971 — entered into force 1975) does NOT mandate the protection and conservation of ALL wetlands in a contracting party's territory. Article 3 of the Ramsar Convention requires contracting parties to: 'formulate and implement their planning so as to promote the conservation of wetlands included in the List [Ramsar List], and as far as possible the wise use of wetlands in their territory.' Article 4 states: 'Each Contracting Party shall promote the conservation of wetlands and waterfowl by establishing nature reserves on wetlands whether they are included in the List or not.' The emphasis is on 'wise use' and on Ramsar-listed wetlands particularly — NOT mandatory protection of ALL wetlands. ✗Statement 2 — Wetlands Rules 2010 framed based on Ramsar Convention recommendation: This is correct. Article 3 of the Ramsar Convention calls on parties to formulate and implement their planning to promote wetland conservation — particularly for Ramsar-listed sites. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were India's domestic regulatory framework to implement these international obligations. They were framed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, drawing on Ramsar Convention principles. ✓Statement 3 — Wetlands Rules 2010 encompass drainage area/catchment region: This is correct. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 defined 'wetland' very broadly — including the 'zone of direct influence on wetlands, that is to say the drainage area or catchment region of the wetlands as determined by the authority.' This broad definition recognised that what happens in the catchment directly affects the wetland, making protection of the catchment integral to wetland conservation. ✓Key Concept: India's wetland conservation: 75 Ramsar sites (as of 2023, world's largest single addition in 2022 when 19 sites added simultaneously); Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2010 — replaced by Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017 which removed catchment from the definition (a step backward, criticised by conservationists); wise use principle = sustainable use; important Ramsar sites: Chilika Lake (Odisha), Wular Lake (J&K), Keoladeo Ghana (Rajasthan), Loktak Lake (Manipur), Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan).

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