The Koapara Reservoir (Bilaspur) and Gidhwa-Parsada Wetland Complex (Bemetara) were approved for recognition as Ramsar sites.
RAIPUR (Chhattisgarh): The Chhattisgarh State Wetland Authority convened its second meeting to strengthen wetland conservation and management across the state. The meeting was chaired by Kedar Kashyap, Forest Minister and Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Wetland Authority at the Medicinal Plant Board Hall, State Forest Research and Training Institute.
Kedar Kashyap has revealed in Vidhansabha that 11,457 wetlands have been identified across Chhattisgarh, covering a total area of 8.46 lakh acres.
Kedar Kashyap unveiled the official logo for the Chhattisgarh State Wetland Authority during the meeting.
Senior Officials Participate in the Meeting
The meeting was attended by key officials, including the Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Biodiversity Board, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of the Forest Force V. Srinivasan, Water Resources Department Secretary Rajesh Sukumar Toppo, senior officials from the Forest, Housing, and Environment Departments, Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department Indrajeet Uike, representatives from the Chhattisgarh Environmental Protection Board, and the Fisheries Department.
Clear Guidelines for District Wetland Conservation Committees
Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap directed all district wetland conservation committees to issue clear guidelines for the protection and promotion of wetlands in their respective regions.
He also instructed officials to study the financial powers of secretaries of wetland authorities in other states and submit a revised proposal to the government. Additionally, Kedar Kashyap unveiled the official logo for the Chhattisgarh State Wetland Authority during the meeting.
Identification of Ramsar Sites
A crucial decision was taken to identify Ramsar sites in the state.
The Koapara Reservoir (Bilaspur) and Gidhwa-Parsada Wetland Complex (Bemetara) were approved for recognition as Ramsar sites.
Furthermore, under the NPCA (National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems) scheme, it was decided to identify naturally formed ponds and submit new proposals for wetland conservation.
Inclusion of Departments in the Technical Committee
The meeting recommended the inclusion of the Housing and Environment Department and the Fisheries Department in the proposed technical committee to ensure better coordination between various departments for wetland conservation. Additionally, it was suggested to include the Secretary of the Chhattisgarh State Wetland Authority and the Director of the Urban Development Department in the grievance committee.
Legal Review of Wetland Conservation Rules
A decision was made to conduct a legal analysis of the Wetland (Conservation & Management) Rules, 2017, and the directives of the Honโble Supreme Court.
The Advocate Generalโs office will be consulted for legal advice, and a study will be conducted on policies adopted by other states.
Importance of Wetland Conservation in Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh is home to numerous natural and artificial reservoirs, ponds, and water bodies that serve as wetlands, playing a crucial role in biodiversity conservation and maintaining environmental balance. Wetlands like Gidhwa-Parsada and Koapara Reservoir are essential habitats for migratory birds, attracting thousands of them every year. The state government’s proactive approach towards wetland conservation will not only enhance biodiversity and water resource management but also contribute to sustainable development.
The decisions made during the meeting will provide a significant boost to wetland conservation, ensuring their long-term protection and sustainability in Chhattisgarh.
Here is the table summarizing the key findings from the meeting:
| 1 | Clear guidelines issued for district wetland conservation committees |
| 2 | Financial powers of wetland authority secretaries to be reviewed |
| 3 | Official logo for Chhattisgarh State Wetland Authority unveiled |
| 4 | Koapara Reservoir and Gidhwa-Parsada Wetland Complex identified as Ramsar sites |
| 5 | New proposals for NPCA scheme to be submitted |
| 6 | Inclusion of Housing & Environment and Fisheries Departments in the technical committee |
| 7 | Wetland (Conservation & Management) Rules, 2017 to be legally reviewed |
| 8 | Advocate Generalโs office to be consulted for legal advice |
| 9 | Study of wetland conservation policies of other states |
| 10 | Focus on wetland conservation for biodiversity and sustainable development |
Chhattisgarh Wetland Authority Under Scrutiny Over Budget and Survey Transparency
No Budget for Wetland Authority from 2019-2023, Reveals Minister
The Chhattisgarh State Wetland Authority has come under scrutiny after Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap admitted in the Assembly that no budget was allocated for the authority between 2019 and 2023. The revelation has sparked intense debate, with opposition leaders questioning how a large-scale wetland survey was conducted without an official budget.
Formation of the Wetland Authority and Key Survey Findings
During the Assembly session in Feb 2025, Minister Kashyap informed legislators that the Chhattisgarh State Wetland Authority was officially established on July 1, 2020, with the mandate to conserve and manage the state’s wetlands. He revealed that 11,457 wetlands have been identified across the state, covering a total area of 8.46 lakh acres.
Budget Allocations and Expenditures
When pressed about financial provisions, the minister admitted that from 2019 to 2023, no specific budget was allocated for wetland conservation under the authority. However, in the financial year 2023-24, โน10 crore was earmarked, out of which โน4 crore was received, and โน3.22 crore was spent.
This disclosure led to further questions from opposition members regarding the lack of financial planning for such a crucial environmental initiative.
Opposition Raises Questions Over Survey Funding
Senior BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar strongly criticized the government, asking how a comprehensive wetland survey was conducted in years when there was no approved budget. He demanded:
- Clarification on the source of funds used for the survey.
- A breakdown of departments that contributed financially to the project.
- Explanation of whether financial rules were bypassed to facilitate the survey.
In response, the minister stated that the survey was conducted using “departmental funds,” but the opposition remained unconvinced, arguing that such a large-scale survey requires prior budgetary approval.
Demand for Financial Audit and Accountability
With the lack of budgetary provisions from 2019-2023 now public, opposition leaders have intensified their demand for:
- A full financial audit of the Wetland Authority’s expenditures.
- Transparency in fund allocation and utilization.
- Clarifications on central grants received for wetland conservation.
The controversy has now gained political traction, with opposition leaders demanding an official inquiry into the financial handling of the Wetland Authority. The matter is expected to dominate further Assembly discussions, as environmental and governance concerns take center stage in the state.
The Chhattisgarh government now faces growing pressure to justify its financial decisions and prove its commitment to wetland conservation while ensuring transparency and accountability in public spending.
(India CSR)
