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Wetlands are highly valuable and productive environments for various organisms. This distinctive ecosystem sustains many habitats and biodiversity. In recent decades, they have faced significant endangerment because of urbanization or human intervention. The condition of wetlands in India is marked by a substantial decrease in both size and quality, with about half of the total wetlands having disappeared and the remaining ones degrading. Over time, wetlands have been transformed for many purposes due to urban development, industrialization, climate change, and intensified agriculture. The water quality in numerous wetlands has significantly deteriorated due to the presence of untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and agricultural runoff. This degradation has resulted in the loss of aquatic life, posed health hazards to nearby residents, and impacted pisciculture, and rice farming. In India, conservation efforts are being undertaken to tackle these difficulties by utilizing a combination of legal frameworks, legislative measures, and community engagement. Since the Ramsar Convention in 1971, numerous international initiatives have been endorsed to safeguard wetlands. Some wetlands near the endangered area have conservation management plans, whereas others do not. The wetlands in India cover around 58.2 million hectares of land and serve as important reservoirs of aquatic life. Research communities are prioritizing the preservation of these environments. This chapter presents a comprehensive analysis of the present condition of wetlands in India and highlights the imperative for their preservation. It emphasizes the primary obstacles encountered, and the endeavors being undertaken for its safeguarding and revival.

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