Key Decisions Taken for Wetland Conservation

Second Meeting of Chhattisgarh State Wetland Authority Concludes

Raipur : The second meeting of the Chhattisgarh State Wetland Authority was held today to strengthen wetland conservation and management in the state. The meeting, chaired by the Minister of Forests and Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Wetland Authority, took place at the Medicinal Plant Board Hall of the State Forest Research and Training Institute.

The meeting was attended by key officials, including the Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Biodiversity Board, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Shri V. Srinivasan, Secretary of the Water Resources Department Shri Rajesh Sukumar Toppo, senior officials from the Forest Department, Housing and Environment Department, Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department Shri Indrajeet Uike, representatives from the Chhattisgarh Environmental Protection Board, Fisheries Department, and other concerned departments.

Directives for District Wetland Conservation Committees

Forest Minister Shri Kashyap directed all district-level wetland conservation committees to issue clear guidelines for the protection and enhancement of wetlands in their respective areas. He also instructed a study of the financial authority of wetland authority member secretaries in other states and the submission of a revised proposal to the government. During the meeting, he unveiled the official logo of the Chhattisgarh State Wetland Authority.

Identification of Ramsar Sites and New Wetland Proposals

Significant decisions were made regarding the identification of Ramsar sites in the state. Approval was granted to designate Kopra Reservoir (Bilaspur) and Gidhwa-Parsada Wetland Complex (Bemetara) as Ramsar sites. Additionally, a decision was taken to select naturally formed ponds under the NPCA scheme and present new proposals for conservation.

Strengthening Coordination Between Departments

The meeting recommended including the Housing and Environment Department and the Fisheries Department in the proposed technical committee to improve inter-departmental coordination for wetland conservation. It was also suggested to include the Member Secretary of the Chhattisgarh State Wetland Authority and the Director of the Urban Development Department in the grievance committee.

Legal Review of Wetland Protection Regulations

A legal analysis of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, and Supreme Court orders was also decided upon. The meeting proposed seeking legal advice from the Advocate General’s office and studying the policies adopted by other states.

Enhancing Wetland Conservation Efforts

Chhattisgarh is home to several natural and artificial reservoirs, ponds, and water bodies that serve as wetlands, playing a crucial role in biodiversity conservation and maintaining environmental balance. Wetland areas such as Gidhwa-Parsada and Kopra Reservoir are important sites for migratory birds, attracting thousands of them annually.

The efforts by the state government to conserve wetlands are of great significance. The decisions made in the authority’s meeting will not only strengthen wetland identification and conservation but also contribute to biodiversity preservation, water resource management, and sustainable development in the state.