Q. Consider the following statements:

1. Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.
2. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of Ramsar Convention.
3. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2019)
Answer: 3 only
Notes: The correct answer is [C] 3 only.This question tests the distinction between international treaty obligations and specific domestic environmental legislation in India.

• Ramsar Convention Mandate (Statement 1 – Incorrect): While the Ramsar Convention (1971) encourages the "wise use" of all wetlands, it does not make it mandatory for the Government of India to protect and conserve all wetlands in its territory. The primary legal obligation under the convention is focused specifically on those designated as "Wetlands of International Importance" (Ramsar Sites).
• Basis of 2010 Rules (Statement 2 – Incorrect): The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. While these rules align with the spirit of the Ramsar Convention, they were not "framed based on the recommendations" of the convention in a formal, mandated sense.
• Drainage and Catchment Areas (Statement 3 – Correct): The 2010 Rules (and the subsequent 2017 Rules) specifically define a "wetland" to include its drainage area or catchment region as determined by the authority. This is crucial because activities in the catchment area—such as waste dumping or construction—directly affect the health and hydrological balance of the wetland itself.

Currently, the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 have replaced the 2010 version, decentralizing the management of wetlands to State Wetland Authorities and omitting certain categories like man-made tanks from the strict definition.