Home / Environment / Maharashtra Wetlands Finally Get Legal Shield After 16 Years
Maharashtra Wetlands Finally Get Legal Shield After 16 Years
20 May
Summary
- Maharashtra's 23,415 wetlands are now documented and ground-truthed.
- Legal protection for water bodies under Wetlands Rules is imminent.
- The process took 16 years, with legal interventions expediting completion.
The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) has finalized the documentation and ground-truthing for all 23,415 of Maharashtra's wetlands. This accomplishment signifies a major stride towards officially notifying these water bodies and bringing them under the protective umbrella of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules.
This extensive process, initiated nearly two decades ago, involved satellite mapping and rigorous on-site verification to confirm wetlands' existence and conditions. Legal interventions, including Supreme Court directions, were instrumental in accelerating the completion of this task, which had faced significant delays.
Environmental advocates emphasize that this official notification is critical to prevent un-notified wetlands from being encroached upon and destroyed for infrastructure development. The delay has already led to environmental damage, including unseasonal flooding in certain areas, highlighting the urgent need for preserving these natural systems.
