- (1.) We have heard learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Additional Solicitor General.
(2.) We have been informed that the Wetland Rules have since been notified and they are now called the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. These Rules have come into force on the date of publication in the official gazette, that is, 26th September, 2017.
(3.) Learned counsel for the parties say that they have very serious objections to some of these Rules. It is submitted that it appears that the Central Government has abdicated its responsibility under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and instead of delegating its powers, it has abdicated its power in favour of the State Governments. We have also been informed that the Central Wetlands Regulatory Authority has since been disbanded and the State Wetlands Authority and the National Wetlands Committee have been constituted under Rules 5 and 6 of the new Rules.;