Wetlands are the places where water remains accumulated throughout the year on marshy soil-like land. Wetlands are vital ecosystems which sustain biological diversity. The government will promote their unique conservation values through Amrit Dharohar, a scheme that will be implemented over the next three years to encourage optimal use of wetlands, and enhance bio-diversity, carbon stock, eco-tourism opportunities and income generation for local communities.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a special scheme called ‘Amrit Dharohar’ for protecting vital wetlands which sustain aquatic biodiversity. The scheme aims to achieve sustainable ecosystem development with the help of local communities.

The GoI is of the belief that wetlands are important to enhance bio-diversity.  India currently has 75 Ramsar sites, which are wetlands of international importance that have been designated under the criteria of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The number is close to thrice of what India had in 2014.

The number of Ramsar sites in the country has increased to 75 which was earlier only 26 till 2014. 

The government will promote their unique conservation values through Amrit Dharohar.

The scheme will be implemented over the next three years to encourage optimal use of wetlands and enhance bio-diversity, carbon stock, eco-tourism opportunities and income generation for local communities.

Highlights the importance of local communities in conserving the wetland ecosystem

What are Wetlands?
Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year, including during the growing season.