Current Programmes > Conservation & management of wetlands

5.  Conservation and Management of Wetlands in Punjab

Wetlands are extremely important and vital ecosystems for ecological sustainability. Punjab had a number of natural and manmade wetlands. However, human growth and development, particularly agriculture, has exerted negative impact on these habitats. Most of the natural wetlands have been reclaimed or are severely degraded. The most serious problem to Harike and Ropar wetlands is siltation due to erosion from highly degraded catchment areas. Ecology of Harike is also threatened due to excessive growth of exotic weed – water hyacinth. Punjab State Council for Science & Technology, therefore, had initiated site specific conservation and management programmes at Harike, Kanjli and Ropar wetlands in Punjab involving state executing departments. Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. of India is providing financial and technical assistance for implementation of conservation programmes. At Harike Wetland conservation programmes were initiated in 1987-88, at Kanjli in 1988-89 and at Ropar in 1996-97. Programmes being taken up, include afforestation of native tree species for habitat improvement, soil conservation to prevent siltation, conservation and development of wildlife and fisheries, weed control, water quality monitoring, economic valuation of wetland resources, eco-tourism and public awareness at respective wetlands. These wetlands have been included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance by the Ramsar Bureau due to the efforts of the Council.  

1. Harike wetland       2.  Ropar wetland      3.  Kanjli wetland     4.  Ranjit Sagar Wetland

5. State wetlands        6.  UNDP-GEF Small grants programme on wetlands