SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh, with its 2343 wetlands, has designated Pong Dam, Renuka Ji, and Chandertal as "Ramsar Sites" of global importance, while Rewalsar and Khajjiar have been marked as nationally significant wetlands.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has ratified the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017 under the Environmental Protection Act 1986.
The inaugural session of the State Wetlands Authority(SWA) started here today under the leadership of Sh. Prabodh Saxena, Chief Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Government. SWA gave its approval for the plans to conserve the three Ramsar sites.
The H.P. State Wetlands Authority endorsed the submission of Integrated Management Action Plans (IMP) for Pong Dam, Renuka Ji, and Chandertal wetlands.
These plans, spanning five years, target various aspects like water management, species conservation, sustainable resource development, and institutional governance. The proposed budgets for these initiatives were detailed.
Furthermore, the Authority sanctioned the formation of District Level Wetlands Committees for enhanced oversight and local input.
Technical and Grievance Committees were also established to review documentation, provide technical guidance, and address public concerns.
The Authority was informed about 25 major wetlands alongside the Ramsar and other nationally important sites.
The approval to augment the annual budget for awareness activities was given.
The officials and experts attended the meeting, underscoring the comprehensive approach towards wetland preservation in Himachal Pradesh.
