Recognising wetlands as sensitive ecosystems with high biodiversity values, the centre today notified rules for their conservation and management which restricts harmful activities such as dumping of untreated waste, industrialisation and construction near them.

The aim of bringing the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 is to ensure their better conservation and prevent their degradation considering that over one-third of India's wetlands have already been wiped out or badly damaged.

Calling the move as a positive step, environment minister Jairam Ramesh said, "This is the first time that legally enforceable Rules are being notified for such eco-sensitive areas in our country. This will go a long way in protecting our wetlands which are under severe threat."

Under the rules, wetlands have been classified for better management and easier identification. Wetland Regulatory Authorities and Appraisal Committees have been set up at the central, state and district levels to ensure proper implementation of the rules and perform all functions for management of wetlands in the country.

Apart from necessary government representatives, each of these bodies will comprise experts so that conservation is carried out in the best possible manner.

In order to ensure that there is no further degradation of wetlands, the rules specify activities which are harmful to wetlands such as industrialisation, construction, dumping of untreated waste, reclamation and prohibit these activities in the wetlands, as per notification.

Other activities such as harvesting, dredging may be carried out in the wetlands but only with prior permission from the authorities concerned.

Wetlands are critical for human development and well-being, especially in India where a large number of people are dependant on them for drinking water, food and livelihood.

Despite their immense importance, wetlands are one of the most degraded ecosystems globally.

Over-exploitation of fish resources, discharge of industrial effluents, fertilisers and pesticides and uncontrolled siltation and weed infestation, among other reasons, have taken toll on these important water bodies.

"We have also approached ISRO and other institutions to undertake a comprehensive mapping exercise delineating all the wetlands in the country," Ramesh added.

He said that the legal framework for the preservation and management of wetlands is in keeping with the suggestions from the public.