NMCG conserves wetlands in Ganga basin

Jan 19, 2020

Uttarakhand / Kolkata, Jan 19 (ANI): Deoria Tal, one of the high altitude wetlands in Uttarakhand, is an untouched marvel of nature. There are many such wetlands, which are highly productive ecosystems that support rich biodiversity and provide a wide range of ecosystem services such as water supply, purification and waste assimilation. The wetlands play crucial role in recharging groundwater, increase the base flow of rivers and help in erosion control. Several of the Ganga basins’ wetlands are home to key flora and fauna, including migratory species. The National Mission for Clean Ganga under its Namami Gange programme has taken up an initiative to conserve the wetlands in Ganga River Basin. Some of these wetlands are threatened by reclamation and degradation through drainage, landfill and over exploitation of their natural resources. It results in loss of bio-diversity and disruption in ecosystem services provided by the wetlands. The National Mission for Clean Ganga in collaboration with the State Wetland Authorities will help identify and prepare Integrated Management Plans for management and conservation in the Ganga basin.