JODHPUR, June 8 -- The Rajasthan High Court has ordered a statewide action plan for identification, protection, notification and restoration of wetlands, directing immediate steps to prevent encroachments and rehabilitate degraded ecosystems. The division bench of Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rekha Borana took suo motu cognisance of reports on the deteriorating condition of wetlands and gaps in their statutory protection under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, registering the matter as a suo motu public interest litigation. The bench noted: "Wetlands constitute one of nature's most vital ecological assets and are often described as the kidneys of the landscape, performing indispensable functions such as groundwater recharge, flood moderation, water purification and climate regulation." It said wetlands are critical components of ecological security and sustainable development, particularly in a water-stressed State such as Rajasthan. Taking note of constitutional obligations, the court observed that protection of wetlands is intrinsically linked to the right to a clean and healthy environment, forming part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. It added that Article 48A casts a duty on the State to protect and improve the environment, while Article 51A(g) imposes a corresponding duty on citizens to safeguard natural resources. The court noted that the Wetlands Rules, 2017 require scientific identification, inventory preparation, mapping, notification and integrated management of wetlands through institutional mechanisms, including State Wetland Authorities. The bench ordered the state and all concerned authorities to file comprehensive affidavits and status reports covering district-wise wetland inventories, identification and notification status, GIS mapping, boundary demarcation, and details of wetlands yet to be notified, with reasons for non-notification....