Harike Wetland's ₹30 Cr Survival Plan Revealed

A comprehensive ₹30.44-crore conservation roadmap for the Harike wetland has been finalized, targeting its revival by 2031. This plan follows a reprimand from the Union ministry for deficiencies in the initial proposal. The revised integrated management plan addresses decades of environmental neglect, including heavy siltation that has caused an 83% loss of the wetland's original water-holding capacity. Scientific assessments show a significant reduction in open water spread from 40% in 1995 to just over 21% by 2017.

The ecosystem is also suffering from chemical and biological pollution due to untreated industrial effluents and urban sewage entering feeder rivers. Invasive water hyacinth now covers nearly half of critical stretches, suffocating aquatic life. The new roadmap focuses on targeted engineering and biological interventions, such as large-scale desiltation and wastewater treatment. It also integrates local economies through eco-tourism and sustainable farming initiatives.