The Government of India has been implementing the National Wetlands Conservation Programme (NWCP) in close collaboration with the State/UT Governments since the year 1985-86. Under the programme, 115 wetlands have been identified till now by the Ministry which require urgent conservation and management interventions. Conservation of wetlands in the country so as to prevent their further degradation and ensuring their wise use for the benefit of local communities and overall conservation of
biodiversity. The programme was initiated with the following objectives: to lay down policy guidelines for conservation and management of wetlands in the country; to provide financial assistance for undertaking intensive conservation measures in
the identified wetlands; to monitor implementation of the programme; and to prepare an inventory of Indian wetlands.