Bathinda, March 3 -- Punjab forest department has started 'ground truthing', a process of comparing satellite images with what is observed on ground physically, for 1,143 potential wetlands across the state. Punjab is the first state to do so, officials said.

The process is aimed at identifying and developing new wetlands so as to improve the natural groundwater recharge system and push for organised protection of biodiversity in rural areas.

Experts at World Wildlife Fund for Nature-India have been appointed by the Ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEF&CC), for verification and validation of new wetlands in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.

According to experts, wetlands are formed in topographic depressions and shape...