Wetland Atlas: Space-based observation of Indian Wetlands

Context: Recently, an atlas titled “Space-based observation of Indian Wetlands” was launched by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

• According to the atlas, wetlands are central to meeting many of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 associated targets, focusing on poverty, hunger, health, energy, consumption, and climate change. 
• One of the difficulties most frequently faced for decision-making is lack of scientific data of our dynamic natural resources which are influenced by both natural and man-made activities. 

Key highlights of the Report

• As many as 1,342 wetlands covering an area of 0.025 mha disappeared in 2017-18.
• The total wetland area increased by 0.64 mha compared to the inventory of 2006-07.
• There are 231,195 wetlands in India.

Loss of Natural Coastal Wetlands

• Natural coastal wetlands lost around 73,961 ha over a decade.
• Out of this, 116,897 ha loss is related to intertidal mudflats and 5647 ha to salt marshes.
• There was a loss of 6,557 ha in natural inland waterlogged areas also.

Loss in Wetland Area

• The loss in wetland area for intertidal mudflat was 4.8%, salt marsh 3.7%, and waterlogged areas were 2.4%.
• There has been a decrease in coastal natural wetlands, which have been converted into the coastal man-made category.
• The major loss in the intertidal mudflats related to those converted into salt pans in Rann of Kutch.

Enhancement in Wetland Area

• There has been an enhancement in wetland area in salt pans-coastal (58%), aquaculture ponds-inlands (55.3%), salt pans-inlands (49.2%), reservoir (12.8%), and high-altitude wetlands (7.4%).
• The total inland wetland area was spread over is 11.85 mha (74.1%), out of which inland natural and inland man-made wetlands are 43.9% and 30.2%.
• Coastal wetlands covered an area of 4.13 mha (25.9%) out of which 22.7% and 3.2% belong to natural and man-made categories.

About Wetlands 

• They are ecosystems where water is the primary factor controlling the environment and the associated plant and animallife.
• These can be freshwater, marine or coastal ecosystems as well as artificial sites.

Significance

• Wetlands provide essential ecosystem services such as water regulation, including flood control and water purification.
• According to the UN, 35% of the world’swetlands have been lost in the last 50 years.

Major Threats to Wetlands

• Conversion of wetlands for agriculture
• Deforestation in wetlands like loss of mangroves
• Impounding of water due to damned reservoirs
• Groundwater depletion
• Degradation of water quality