Protection of Wetlands as per Rule 4 of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 . OFFICE MEMORANDUM- Date 08.03.2022

 Protection of Wetlands as per Rule 4 of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 . OFFICE MEMORANDUM-  Date 08.03.2022 

The Hon'ble Supreme Court vide Order dated 4th October, 2017 in W.P. (C) No. 230 of 2001 has inter-alia, directed that, "We make it clear and reiterate that in terms of our order dated 8th February, 2017, 2,01,503 wetlands that have been mapped by the Union of India should continue to remain protected on the same principles as were formulated in Rule 4 of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010".

2. The same has been communicated by this Ministry to all the States and UTs in November, 2017. Hon'ble NGT has also reiterated the same in various recent cases.

3. In view of above, it is once again clarified/reiterated that the 2,01,503 wetlands (>2.25 ha) as per the National Wetland Inventory and Assessment (NWIA), 2011 should be protected as per Rule 4 of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. This protection is irrespective of the applicability of/notification as per the said Rules.