For the first time, the Government of Manipur has officially notified three wetlands under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, marking a major step in formal wetland protection.

Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017

The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 represent a paradigm shift in India’s environmental governance. By replacing the older 2010 framework, these rules decentralize power, giving State Governments the primary responsibility for protecting their local ecosystems.

Wetland functions as “kidneys of the landscape” as aquatic plants of wetlands absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.

  • The rules are anchored in the “Wise Use” principle, as defined by the Ramsar Convention.
  • Ecological Character: This refers to the biological, physical, and chemical components that make a wetland unique.
  • Wise Use: This is the sustainable utilization of wetlands for the benefit of humankind in a way that is compatible with the maintenance of the natural properties of the ecosystem.
  • The 2017 rules replaced the centralized Central Wetlands Regulatory Authority (CWRA) with a two-tier structure:
Authority Role Composition
State/UT Wetland Authority (SWA) The decision-maker. It identifies, delineates, and notifies wetlands. It also monitors violations. Chaired by the State Environment Minister; includes experts in hydrology, ecology, and fisheries.
National Wetland Committee (NWC) The advisor. It monitors implementation, advises the Center on policies, and recommends sites for Ramsar designation. Chaired by the Secretary, MoEF&CC.
  • Prohibited: “Conversion for non-wetland use” (e.g., encroachment, reclamation).
    • Setting up or expanding industries.
    • Dumping of solid waste or untreated sewage/industrial effluents.
    • Permanent construction (except for basic amenities like boat jetties).
  • Regulated: Activities that may be permitted by the State Authority if they align with the “wise use” principle (e.g., traditional resource harvesting).
  • The rules apply to all notified wetlands and Ramsar sites. However, they exclude:
    • River channels and paddy fields.
    • Human-made water bodies constructed specifically for drinking water, aquaculture, or salt production.
    • Areas already covered under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 or the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Key details of the notification

  • Total wetlands notified: 3
  • Total area covered: 466.77 hectares
  • Names and locations:
    • Yaral Pat – Imphal East district
    • Utra Pat – Bishnupur district
    • Waithou Phumnom Pat – Imphal East–Thoubal districts
  • The notification was confirmed by the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Manipur, during the World Wetlands Day 2026 observation.

Why is this important?

  • As per the Wetland Atlas 2021 prepared by the Space Applications Centre, Manipur has 132 wetlands.
  • Boundaries of 71 wetlands, covering 40,401 hectares, have already been scientifically delineated.
  • Notification gives wetlands legal protection, restricting encroachment, pollution and unregulated land-use change.

Ecological and cultural significance

  • Wetlands were described as “green infrastructure” and the “kidneys of the planet”, as they:
    Regulate floods, Purify water, Recharge groundwater and Support biodiversity and livelihoods.
  • Manipur’s traditional ecological worldview recognises three life-supporting systems:
    • Ching – hills
    • Pat – wetlands
    • Turel – rivers

The World Wetlands Day 2026 theme – “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage” is especially relevant to Manipur, where indigenous practices have historically conserved wetlands.

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