<h1>Government Merges Lake and Wetlands Conservation Plans into New Aquatic Ecosystem Conservation Scheme.</h1> The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved merging the National Lake Conservation Plan and the National Wetlands Conservation Programme into the 'National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems' (NPCA). This new scheme, operational during the XII Plan Period, has an estimated cost of Rs. 900 crore, with a 70:30 cost-sharing model between the Central and State Governments (90:10 for North-East States). The NPCA aims to conserve aquatic ecosystems by enhancing water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem health through an integrated approach. It will include a national inventory, regulatory framework, and capacity building for effective management of lakes and wetlands.