State Wetland Authority, Delhi
Government of NCT of Delhi

Wetlands are defined as ‘lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic eco-systems’ where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water (Mitsch and Gooselink,1986). Wetlands are neither truly aquatic nor terrestrial. They are usually low-lying areas which contain water all year-round or temporarily and support aquatic vegetation (hydrophytes), reeds, and a wide range of waterfowl and associated biodiversity. Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty signed in 1971 for national action andinternational cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources, under the Convention (Article 1.1) defines wetlands as “areasof marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural orartificial, permanent or temporary, with water that isstatic or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, includingareas of marine water the depth of which at low tidedoes not exceed six metres”.As per Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, generally five major types of wetlands are recognised: