Our country’s wetlands, vital ecosystems that support biodiversity, regulate water cycles, and mitigate climate change, are facing alarming neglect. Of the estimated 200,000 wetlands in the country, only 102 have been officially notified under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, according to data from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Even more concerning is the fact that these notified wetlands are heavily concentrated in just three states and one Union Territory, leaving vast swathes of ecologically crucial areas vulnerable to degradation, encroachment, and pollution. Wetlands—marshes, swamps, lakes, estuaries, and floodplains—serve as nature’s buffer zones, absorbing excess rainfall, recharging groundwater, and providing a habitat for migratory birds and aquatic species. Yet, their conservation has been far from adequate. The Wetlands Rules of 2017 were intended to ensure better protection by preventing activities such as encroachment, solid waste dumping, and unregulated construction. However, with only 102 wetlands notified, the implementation remains dismal. The disproportionate focus on a few states while neglecting others reveals a lack of a uniform, nationwide strategy for wetland conservation. Large wetland systems in states like Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha, which play a crucial role in flood control and biodiversity conservation, remain unprotected under the notification framework. This raises serious concerns about ecological imbalance and water security. Our rapid urbanization and industrialization have taken a toll on wetlands. Cities such as Bengaluru and Chennai, which once had thriving wetland ecosystems, are now witnessing severe waterlogging and depletion of groundwater due to unchecked encroachments. In many regions, wetlands have been filled up for real estate development, leading to reduced water retention capacity and worsening floods. Pollution is another major threat. Industrial discharge, untreated sewage, and plastic waste have choked many wetlands, turning them into toxic water bodies. Additionally, climate change-induced extreme weather events further threaten these fragile ecosystems, making their conservation even more urgent. The central and state governments must prioritize wetland conservation by expanding the number of notified wetlands and ensuring strict enforcement of protective regulations. A nationwide wetland mapping and monitoring system should be established using satellite imagery and on-ground surveys to prevent further encroachments. Additionally, public participation and awareness campaigns are crucial, as local communities play a vital role in safeguarding these ecosystems. We cannot afford to ignore our wetlands any longer. They are not just water bodies but lifelines that sustain livelihoods, biodiversity, and ecological balance. Protecting them is not an option but a necessity for our environmental and economic future