Paper Title
PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF WETLANDS AND LAKES OF INDIA

Abstract
India is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (hereinafter 'Ramsar Convention') convened at Iran on 1971. Wetlands include marsh, fen, peatland and marine waters whose depth does not exceed six metres. This paper endeavours to state the significance of wetlands and its constituent ecosystems like lakes, reservoirs, etc. The National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems 2013 aims for conservation of and to provide funds for both lakes and wetlands thus joining their hitherto separate conservation plans. However, the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017 (hereinafter 'Wetland Rules 2017') confers exclusive steering committee, funds and research knowhow for the wetlands. Further, with the enactment of Wetland Rules 2017, the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems ceases to function. So, there is absence of any statutory authority for conservation and funding of 'lakes'. This paper endeavours to state the need for conservation of lakes and the methodology to statutorily remedy the hindrance towards conservation and protection of lakes. It further endeavours to ensure consonance in the objectives of Ramsar Convention and the Wetland Rules 2017 and hopes to supplement the legal jurisprudence. Keywords - Lake, Wetland, Ramsar Convention, Water Fowl Habitats.