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Dhanauri Wetlands in Uttar Pradesh [MAP]
Why Dhanauri Wetlands was in the news?
A plea was recently filed in the National Green Tribunal (NGT) seeking a stay on the construction of the Noida International Airport at Jewar, until the Dhanauri Wetlands located nearby is granted protection. The NGT has now given the Uttar Pradesh government 4 weeks time to inform about the status of designating Dhanauri as a Ramsar site. The proposal for the same is currently pending before the Uttar Pradesh Wetland Authority.
The petitioner, bird-watcher, has demanded halting the airport work until the Dhanauri Wetland is notified as the Balmiki Ramsar Wetland and Sarus Sanctuary/Conservation Reserve. He stated that the environmental clearance granted for the project mandates ensuring protection of the wetlands. The impact report by Wildlife Institute of India has also recommended declaring Dhanauri as a Wildlife Sanctuary or Conservation Reserve urgently.
Overview of Dhanauri Wetlands
Location and Physical Features
The Dhanauri Wetlands are located in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. They are spread across approximately 98 hectares among the villages of Dhanauri, Thasrana, and Aminpur Bangar in Dankaur Tehsil of Gautam Buddha Nagar district. The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA), which owns the land, provided a no-objection certificate in June 2022 to declare the wetlands as a Ramsar Site and Sanctuary.
Dhanauri Wetlands MAP
Biodiversity Significance
Dhanauri Wetlands are home to over 217 bird species and have been recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International. The wetlands provide a vital habitat for the majestic Sarus Crane, which is the state bird of Uttar Pradesh. Over 150 Sarus Cranes can be spotted here.
During the peak migratory season between November to March, the wetlands play host to over 50,000 migrant waterfowls. They serve as a key feeding ground, nesting site and transit point along the migration path of these birds. Several endangered bird species find refuge in these wetlands.
Ecological Significance
Being a natural wetland ecosystem, Dhanauri provides significant ecological services. The wetlands help recharge groundwater reserves and maintain the water table. They regulate local climate conditions and support rich biodiversity. Numerous bird, fish and animal species depend on these wetlands for survival.
Efforts for Conservation
Recognizing the ecological significance of Dhanauri Wetlands, efforts have been underway to ensure their conservation:
- In August 2022, a proposal was submitted to the Uttar Pradesh Wetland Authority for designating Dhanauri as a Ramsar site. This is still pending approval.
- The YEIDA has granted no objection towards granting Dhanauri the Ramsar site status.
- The Wildlife Institute of India studied the potential environmental impact of the proposed Jewar Airport on the wetlands. Their report explicitly recommended declaring Dhanauri as a Wildlife Sanctuary or Conservation Reserve urgently.
Final Thoughts
While development projects like the Noida International Airport will boost connectivity and economic growth, it is crucial that urgent efforts are made to conserve ecologically sensitive sites like Dhanauri.
Granting Dhanauri the Ramsar site status can provide the much-needed impetus and resources for conservation. The UP government must expedite this process. Strict environmental regulations must be enforced during project construction to prevent harm.
Designating the wetlands as a protected sanctuary and ensuring wise use of the ecosystem will allow balanced growth. Community participation, scientific research and public education can also facilitate conservation efforts.
India is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, which urges wetland protection as these are vital carbon sinks, climate stabilizers and biodiversity hotspots. Preserving Dhanauri will be in keeping with these commitments. It will also prevent the loss of a critical habitat and allow future generations to enjoy the immense benefits.
Urgent action is needed to conserve Dhanauri before it is too late. The UP government must move swiftly and notify it as a Ramsar site, sanctuary or reserve. This will grant the wetlands their rightful protected status both legally and on ground.