Q. With reference to the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, consider the following statements:
1.The Rules decentralize wetland management by mandating the establishment of a State Wetlands Authority (SWA) in every State and Union Territory.
2.The National Wetland Committee (NWC), headed by the Secretary of MoEFCC, replaced the earlier Central Wetlands Regulatory Authority.
3.The Rules permit industrial development and waste disposal activities in notified wetlands, provided that such activities are approved by the State Wetlands Authority under the principle of “wise use.”
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[A] 1 only

[B] 1 and 2 only

[C] 2 and 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B
Notes:

Explanation

  • The 2017 Rules decentralised wetland management from a central authority to State Wetland Authorities (SWAs) in each State/UT, chaired by the State Environment Minister.
  • SWAs are responsible for preparing wetland inventories, regulating activities, and applying the principle of “wise use.”
  • The Central Wetlands Regulatory Authority (under the 2010 Rules) was replaced by the National Wetland Committee (NWC).
  • The NWC, headed by the Secretary, MoEFCC, serves mainly as an advisory body to review Ramsar sites management and support SWAs.
  • The Rules explicitly prohibit activities such as:
    • encroachment,
    • setting up/expansion of industries,
    • waste disposal,
    • discharge of untreated effluents.
  • These cannot be permitted even under “wise use.”

Source: Environment (Forum Factly)

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