RANCHI, Aug. 25 -- A meeting of the Jharkhand State Wetland Authority, chaired by Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, was held on Monday, where important decisions were taken regarding the conservation, demarcation, and improved management of the state's wetlands, officials said. The CM directed officials to identify wetlands in the state according to Supreme Court directives, conduct in-depth studies and systematic documentation, and complete the notification process following demarcation, according to a statement from the CM's office. He instructed officials to prepare and regularly update a list of all wetlands in the state and develop and maintain a wetland database. Soren said the entire process-ranging from identifying potential wetlands to verification, demarcation, notification, documentation, and creating management plans-would be a significant step towards preserving the natural water bodies. "The CM noted that wetlands are vital not only as water bodies but also as pillars of the state's biodiversity, environmental balance, and local ecology. He emphasised formulating effective management plans based on in-depth studies and available data to ensure their conservation. He stressed the need to maintain systematic records regarding the current status of wetlands, water sources and observed changes over time," an official said. Soren issued key directives to officials concerning the conservation, demarcation, and scientific management of all major wetlands in the state. During the meeting, officials reported obtaining a list of 2,119 potential wetlands in Jharkhand based on an atlas provided by ISRO. "These potential sites will now undergo physical and factual verification by district-level wetland committees. Measures will be taken to ensure compliance with wetland regulations, prevent encroachment, and regulate activities, with reports submitted to the State Wetland Authority. Subsequently, the state-level committee will finalise the process of identifying and demarcating the wetlands. The identified wetlands would be demarcated and notified in compliance with SC directives. Instructions were also issued to prepare management plans, as required, for the conservation and management of each significant wetland," an official said....