Gujarat Leads 21% India in Wetland Coverage: State govt

28th February 2025 at 2:57 PM

2 minutes read

(FILES) This file photo taken on June 29, 2021 shows flamingos at the Donana Natural Park in Huelva. - Concerns for Donana National Park, home to one of Europe's largest wetlands, grow as the Parliament of the Region of Andalusia has approved the examination of a text aimed at legalizing water-thirsty crops, especially strawberries, around the park. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER / AFP)

Under the leadership of Bhupendra Patel and the dedicated efforts of Forest and Environment Minister Mulubhai Bera along with Minister of State Mukeshbhai Patel, Gujarat has emerged as the Indian state with the largest share of wetlands. Currently, the state is home to 21 per cent of India’s total wetland area, underscoring its significant environmental, ecological, and economic importance. These diverse ecosystems contribute not only to biodiversity but also provide essential services such as water purification, flood control, and carbon sequestration.

Spanning approximately 3.5 million hectares, Gujarat’s wetlands cover 17.8 per cent of the state’s geographical area. A 2021 satellite study by the Space Applications Centre-ISRO identified 17,613 wetlands in Gujarat, including both inland and coastal types. The study found that depressions make up 67 per cent of the wetland area, floodplains cover 46.8 per cent, salt marshes account for 91.6 per cent, and salt pans constitute 75.5 per cent of these vital ecosystems.

World Wetlands Day, observed on February 2, this year highlights the theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future.” Under the National Wetland Conservation Programme by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, India has designated 115 nationally important wetlands. In Gujarat, eight of these key sites include Nalsarovar, Thol Lake, the Little Rann of Kutch, the Great Rann of Kutch, Nani Kakrad, Wadhwana, Khijadiya, and Pariej. Additionally, the state boasts 19 wetlands recognized as Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas and four Ramsar sites, such as Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary and Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary.

To safeguard these natural assets, the Gujarat State Wetland Authority has been established, with the GEER Foundation acting as its nodal agency. The “Save Wetlands” campaign has validated 15,201 wetlands and produced 458 Wetland Health Report Cards, while over 2,000 Wetland Mitras (Friends of Wetlands) have been registered. Under the Mission LiFE initiative, approximately 220 wetland-related programs have been organized, along with eight Memoranda of Understanding and a carbon sequestration study of the state’s Ramsar sites.

Efforts in research, monitoring, and community engagement have enhanced the understanding of wetlands’ vital ecological functions. Local communities, scientists, and government agencies collaborate through training programs and workshops held in regions including Rajasthan, Goa, Telangana, Assam, Meghalaya, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. These initiatives empower citizens, promote sustainable management practices, and ensure that Gujarat’s natural heritage thrives despite challenges such as urbanization and climate change.

Looking ahead, Gujarat is set to strengthen its conservation efforts with targeted research projects and expanded community outreach. Continued investment in scientific monitoring and policy implementation will ensure that these ecological treasures are preserved and thrive for future generations, serving as a model for wetland conservation across India. This approach ensures lasting benefits for all.