(a) whether the Government has decided to expand the managerial role of States/Union Territories in preservation and conservation of wetlands and lakes under the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems (NPCA);
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government would also consider providing States/Union Territories including Kerala with additional funds to enhance the quality of preservation efforts including the establishment of State level wetland / lake authorities, identifying and notifying priority wetlands, developing integrated management plans and strengthening the interface between research and management at the local level; and
(d) if so, the details thereof? |
| ANSWER |
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)
(a) to (d) The Ministry is providing financial assistance to the States under the scheme of ‘National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems’ (NPCA) for holistic conservation and management of identified wetlands and lakes in the country for achieving the desired water quality enhancement, besides improvement in biodiversity and ecosystem through an integrated and multidisciplinary approach as well as a common regulatory framework. Proposals received from the States under the scheme are considered for financial assistance on cost sharing basis subject to their conformity with the scheme guidelines, prioritization, appraisal by independent institutions, recommendations of State Level Steering Committees/Authorities and availability of Plan funds. The sanctioned projects are implemented by the concerned agencies of the State Governments.
All the States, including Kerala, have been advised to accord high priority for constitution of State wetland/lake authorities, identification and notification of priority wetlands, development of integrated management plans, securing resources for implementation of management plans, monitoring and evaluation, and strengthening research-management interface, etc. The Government of Kerala has already set up the State Wetland Authority in November, 2015. |
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