Wetlands in India: Rapid Decline Demands Immediate Action

Wetlands in India: The Silent Crisis

Delhi, India's vibrant capital renowned for its rich cultural heritage, is grappling with a significant yet underreported environmental challenge—the alarming decline of its wetlands. Once thriving with diverse plant and animal life, these wetlands played a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and offering essential benefits to the city's inhabitants. Today, however, they are disappearing at a disturbing pace, raising serious concerns about the future of Delhi's environment and the well-being of its residents. Not just in Delhi, wetlands in India are facing a crucial existential crisis.

Ramveer Tanwar, an environmentalist famously known as the "Pond Man of India," has been a dedicated advocate for wetland conservation since his student days. Based in Greater Noida, Tanwar launched the "Jal Chaupal" campaign in Gautam Budhha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, encouraging the community to conserve water and protect natural resources such as ponds, lakes, and wetlands. Alongside a committed group of volunteers, he spearheaded efforts to clean and rejuvenate ponds in the urban villages of Greater Noida. His relentless dedication soon turned into a movement inspiring many others and earned him widespread recognition as the 'Pondman of India.'

In an interview with The Probe, Tanwar emphasised the critical role wetlands in India play in supporting biodiversity and sustaining our ecosystem. He posed a poignant question: "Are we supporting the wetlands that support us?" Tanwar pointed out a prevalent misconception in metropolitan areas, where people believe that cities should be dominated by buildings and apartments, leaving no space for wetlands. He countered this by stating, "This is a fundamental misunderstanding. Many of the major cities we discuss, like Gurugram and Noida, were originally built over numerous wetlands. With these wetlands now gone, replaced by buildings and city infrastructure, people are only beginning to realise their immense value."

The Urban Heat Island Dilemma

Urban areas are increasingly grappling with the phenomenon of Urban Heat Islands (UHIs), where cities experience significantly higher temperatures compared to nearby rural regions. This temperature disparity arises due to the varying capacity of surfaces in urban and rural areas to absorb and retain heat. The difference is more pronounced at night and becomes especially noticeable during periods of weak winds, particularly in the summer and winter. The primary cause of the UHI effect is the alteration of land surfaces, while the heat generated by energy consumption serves as a secondary factor.

Recently, Delhi witnessed record-breaking temperatures soaring to 52.3 degrees Celsius, highlighting the pressing issue of urban heat islands in our cities. Green spaces are vital in mitigating the UHI effect, yet many urban areas in India are deficient in trees and plants. Ironically, air conditioners, which provide much-needed relief from the heat, exacerbate the problem by expelling hot air into the environment. This creates a vicious cycle where the demand for cooling further intensifies the heating issue, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable solutions.

Tanwar highlights that the reduction of wetlands in India, especially in the urban areas has significantly contributed to the urban heat island effect, and restoring these wetlands is a key solution. He explains, "This degradation is why we are also facing urban floods. The water that should have been absorbed by wetlands is now inundating our homes, apartments, and roads. Wetlands play a crucial role in cooling the city and reducing the risk of urban floods."

The Problem of Urban Floods 

Recently, multiple media reports have highlighted how various parts of Guwahati are suffering from urban floods caused by incessant rains. Urban floods occur when a city receives an overwhelming amount of water due to heavy precipitation, rapid snowmelt, or storm surges from cyclones or other similar conditions. This leads to significant parts of the city becoming submerged. The situation is exacerbated by the inability of city infrastructure to efficiently drain the excess water, resulting in widespread inundation.

Tanwar emphasises the urgent need to restore existing wetlands in India as a crucial measure. "I have worked on rejuvenating over 70 wetlands in India in various capacities. The key to success in these endeavours is garnering support from both the community and the government. When restoring wetlands, one of our primary strategies is to develop islands within the lakes or ponds we are rejuvenating. These islands provide a safe haven for birds, allowing them to nest and thrive. We plant specific types of grass that birds can use to build their nests, creating an ideal habitat for them. Over time, we've observed that these efforts lead to increased biodiversity; for instance, ducks have started inhabiting these waters. Thus, a simple act of pond restoration can transform it into a wetland, promoting a richer biodiversity."

Rejuvenating Wetlands and Mindset

Tanwar points out that while rejuvenating ponds is achievable, changing people's mindsets poses the greatest challenge. "People have become accustomed to treating ponds and lakes as garbage dumps, discarding waste into these crucial water bodies. Encroachments present another significant problem. Both individuals and developers encroach upon these wetlands and begin construction activities. Evicting these encroachers is beyond our capacity; we require the assistance of the police and government to address this issue. Rejuvenating the wetlands is only part of the solution; we must also foster a collective shift in attitudes towards these vital ecosystems."

Rejuvenating wetlands is just the beginning; the real challenge lies in their ongoing care and maintenance. "Rejuvenating a wetland is not a one-time task," Tanwar explains. "It requires continuous effort. We must constantly monitor these wetlands to ensure they are thriving. If any issues arise, we need to address them promptly to maintain the health of the ecosystem. Without consistent care, these wetlands will inevitably revert to their degraded state. Ensuring their long-term vitality is a sustained commitment."

To rejuvenate wetlands in India, a comprehensive approach involving community engagement, government intervention, and sustainable practices is essential. One effective strategy is the implementation of community-led conservation programs. By educating local communities about the importance of wetlands and involving them in restoration projects, a sense of ownership and responsibility can be fostered. Additionally, incentivising eco-friendly practices, such as sustainable agriculture and waste management, can reduce the pollutants entering these ecosystems, thereby promoting their health and longevity.

Moreover, stricter regulations and enforcement are crucial in preventing further degradation of wetlands. Government policies should focus on protecting existing wetlands from encroachment and pollution. Establishing protected areas and implementing zoning laws can help safeguard these vital ecosystems. 

Furthermore, investing in research and technology to develop innovative solutions, such as constructing artificial wetlands for wastewater treatment and employing satellite monitoring to track wetland health, can significantly enhance restoration efforts. Collaboration between governmental agencies, non-profit organisations, and the private sector can create a strong framework for the sustainable rejuvenation of wetlands in India.

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