Haryana Shifts Wetlands to Wildlife Dept.

Haryana's State Wetland Authority has been moved under the Forest and Wildlife Department, with the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) now overseeing all related work. This administrative change, effective as of a March 11 notification, shifts control from the Directorate of Environment & Climate Change to the wildlife wing.

The relocation aims to bolster the ecological management of wetlands by aligning them with existing wildlife habitat frameworks. Subhash Yadav, conservator of forests (wildlife), stated this would ensure better technical expertise for managing wetland flora and fauna, integrating them more closely into biodiversity protection.

Despite the administrative shift, the Wetland Authority retains its leadership, chaired by the chief minister, with the environment minister and chief secretary as vice-chairmen. The authority's mandate includes preparing inventories, identifying, notifying, and regulating wetlands across the state.

Environmentalists have applauded the change, noting it signifies a shift towards viewing wetlands as critical ecological habitats. However, concerns remain regarding the slow pace of formal notification and boundary demarcation for many wetlands, leaving them vulnerable to encroachment.

Between 2017-18 and 2023-24, Haryana's total wetland area grew by 3,335.5 hectares, reaching 36,984.5 hectares. This growth is largely attributed to an increase in human-made wetlands, which now constitute over 63% of the total wetland area in the state.