Nature-based solutions (NbS) are actions that protect, conserve, restore, and sustainably manage natural or modified ecosystems to address societal challenges (such as climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and water security), while providing benefits for human well-being and biodiversity. In India, NbS are discussed and applied across areas such as wetland conservation, urban stormwater management, river basin restoration, and wastewater treatment using ecosystem-based systems. Policy and programme links include national and state wetland governance, river rejuvenation initiatives, and urban infrastructure planning that incorporates “blue-green” measures (e.g., lakes, urban forests, permeable surfaces, and floodplains). Definitions and scope A commonly used definition promoted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature describes NbS as actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore ecosystems in ways that address societal challenges while providing benefits for people and biodiversity. The United Nations Environment Programme describes NbS (as defined at the 5th United Nations Environment Assembly—UNEA 5.2) as actions across terrestrial, freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems that address social, economic, and environmental challenges while delivering ecosystem services, enhancing resilience, and supporting biodiversity. Policy and governance context In India, policy and governance for nature-based solutions is implemented through sector-specific legal and programme frameworks rather than a single dedicated NbS law. In practice, NbS-related governance is commonly described through two intersecting pathways: (i) wetlands governance under environmental regulation and conservation frameworks, and (ii) river-basin planning, where floodplain wetlands and ecological restoration are addressed at a basin scale. Wetlands governance India’s wetland policy framework includes the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, which establish institutional arrangements and procedures for the identification, notification, and management of wetlands. India is also a contracting party to the Ramsar Convention, under which wetlands of international importance are designated as Ramsar sites. As of January 2026, India’s Ramsar network is reported as 98 sites. River basin restoration and floodplain wetlands Nature-based measures are also discussed in river-basin contexts, where restoring floodplain connectivity and associated wetlands can support hydrological and ecological objectives. In the Ganga basin, for example, programme-linked reporting associated with the National Mission for Clean Ganga has described restoration of floodplain wetland connectivity as a nature-based solution. Application areas In India, nature-based solutions are applied across urban water management and wastewater treatment, among other domains. Two commonly discussed application areas are urban stormwater management through “blue-green” infrastructure and nature-based approaches to wastewater treatment, including constructed wetlands. Urban stormwater management and “blue-green” infrastructure In urban contexts, NbS-linked measures can include protecting or restoring water bodies, maintaining or recreating urban wetlands, increasing permeable surfaces, and developing green corridors and lake systems. These interventions are typically intended to moderate stormwater runoff, improve infiltration and local drainage, and reduce the frequency or severity of waterlogging and urban flood impacts. In Delhi, reporting on drainage planning has described a master planning approach that incorporates green-infrastructure or nature-based elements—such as rejuvenation of lakes and wetlands and related catchment measures—within broader efforts to reduce waterlogging and flood risk. Constructed wetlands and nature-based wastewater treatment Constructed wetland systems and related “natural treatment” approaches are used in some wastewater management contexts. They are sometimes described as nature-based or lower-energy options relative to conventional treatment configurations, although outcomes depend on factors such as design, influent characteristics, land availability, and long-term operations and maintenance. Government communication has described Phytorid wetland-based sewage treatment as a self-sustaining approach based on wetland principles. Evidence, monitoring, and limitations The performance of NbS depends on design, site conditions, long-term maintenance, and governance arrangements. Monitoring approaches vary by intervention type and may include indicators such as flood-peak moderation (or waterlogging days), water quality parameters, groundwater level trends (where relevant), ecosystem condition metrics, and biodiversity observations. Commonly discussed limitations include land constraints in dense urban areas, fragmented institutional responsibilities for urban water and wetlands, and the risk that “nature-based” labels are applied without measurable outcomes or appropriate safeguards. Related resources Wetlands in India Understanding and Tackling Urban Flooding in India Ecosystem-based adaptation Constructed wetlands References International Union for Conservation of Nature. “Nature-based Solutions” (definition and overview). United Nations Environment Programme. “Overview of Nature-based solutions” / UNEA definition. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 (official documentation/guidance). Press Information Bureau (Government of India). Announcement noting India’s Ramsar sites total at 98 (Jan 31, 2026). Reporting/analysis on Delhi drainage master planning and nature-based or green infrastructure elements. National Mission for Clean Ganga / partner report referencing floodplain wetland connectivity as a nature-based solution. Treatment of sewage water is essential to meet the challenge of water scarcity in the coming years: Dr Harsh Vardhan Connecting rivers, wetlands and people challenges: Experience and Opportunities