Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010.

The Wetland Conservation and Management Rules ensure better management, conservation and prevention of degradation of existing wetlands in India. These Rules have been drafted by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and a Central Wetland Regulatory Authority has been set up to ensure proper implementation of the Rules and perform all its functions. The Authority shall have a number of expert members to ensure that wetland conservation is carried out in the best possible manner. In order to ensure there is no further degradation of wetlands, the Rules specify activities which are prohibited as harmful to wetlands such as industrialization, construction, dumping of untreated waste, reclamation etc. Other activities such as harvesting and dredging may be carried out in the wetlands provided prior permission from the concerned authorities. Any action which may damage the habitat of these areas shall not be permitted unless authorized. Appeals shall apply in accordance to the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 (19 of 2010).