Activists cry foul over water diversion from Dhanauri wetland for airport
NOIDA: Thousands of birds are at risk as Dhanauri wetland, a crucial habitat for migratory birds and the state bird of Uttar Pradesh, the Sarus crane, faces a severe water shortage, according to environmentalists. Activists alleged that the cause of the crisis is the diversion of a canal that previously supplied water to the wetland. The water supply disruption has been ongoing for almost a month, they alleged.
The Gautam Budh Nagar (GB Nagar) forest department, however, has stepped in to mitigate the situation. It has created an artificial pond within the wetland to ensure the birds do not face a water scarcity. Department officials assured that the water issue will soon be resolved, with the divisional officer of the forest department stating that the disruption occurred after the Upper Ganga Canal's Dadri-Kalaunda water channel was cut off due to the airport's construction at Jewar.
The 5.5-hectare wetland, which is part of a much larger catchment area, is home to nearly 198 bird species. This includes the Sarus crane, a symbol of Uttar Pradesh. The wetland, however, is now largely dry, forcing the birds to cope with harsh conditions. 'We noticed that suddenly the wetland is left with no water for birds. We were told that water supply is cut because of some diversion in the canal,' said Lucky Nagar, a birder and local resident of Dankaur.
'Today, this wetland wears a deserted look,' Nagar added, urging the forest department to find a permanent solution.
Dhanauri wetland falls in the catchment area of the Noida airport, which is expected to become operational by May 2025. Environmentalists have long raised concerns over the wetland's protection. While the GB Nagar forest department and the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (Yeida) had pledged in 2018 to conserve the wetland, progress has been slow. Most of the wetland's land is privately owned by farmers, complicating conservation efforts.
'Had the department bought the land and protected it, this natural habitat would have been saved, and issues like water supply may not have cropped up,' said Pradeep Dahalia, an environmentalist and resident of Greater Noida.
According to activists, the lack of action on land acquisition has left the wetland vulnerable to development pressures, as surrounding areas are slated for residential development.
In January 2015, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had directed the UP government and the Ministry of Environment to identify and notify Dhanauri wetland as a protected area, but little progress has been made.
PK Srivastava, the divisional officer of the GB Nagar forest department, emphasised that steps are being taken to restore the water supply. 'To address the water supply issue, we have made an artificial pond in Dhanauri wetland so that the birds do not face any drinking water issue. The water supply issue cropped up at Dhanauri because the water channel coming from Upper Ganga Canal got cut due to construction work for Noida airport. This issue will be resolved soon,' he said.
Environmentalists continue to push for stronger protection measures. The marshland, spanning Dhanauri, Thasrana, Bhatta-Parsaul, and Amirpur Bangar villages, covers approximately 100 hectares. However, only 5.5 hectares fall under government ownership, and the rest are privately owned by farmers.
'We are looking into this issue to save it and will take required measures to protect it,' said Yeida chief executive officer (CEO) Arun Vir Singh.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
7 days ago
- Time of India
YEIDA to hire agency to audit infrastructure projects off Yamuna Expressway
NOIDA : Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority ( YEIDA ) has decided to hire a third-party agency to monitor and audit the quality of its ongoing and upcoming works. This will ensure high construction standards and error-free execution of its major development projects. Its duties will include setting up testing laboratories, collecting material samples, arranging tests and submitting detailed reports to YEIDA on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. The reports will highlight any defects or quality concerns and the agency will also track whether corrective measures are taken by the project engineers. Last week, YEIDA issued a request for proposal for the selection of the agency. The last date to submit applications is June 9. The agency will provide regular feedback on material quality and workmanship to help prevent construction defects before they occur. The selected agency will be responsible for conducting both scheduled and surprise inspections across all stages of construction. A YEIDA official said, "With so many civic projects and infrastructure schemes underway — including Noida International Airport , Film City , Toy Park and the proposed Semiconductor Park — YEIDA is focusing on maintaining the highest quality standards," said an official. "Hiring a third-party quality assurance agency is part of that effort." The agency will be required to deploy staff based on the size and scale of the project. Smaller teams will be assigned works worth up to Rs 500 crore, while larger teams will be needed for projects of higher value. For road projects, the agency will ensure that the materials used and the thickness of layers meet the standards prescribed by the ministry of road transport and highways (MORTH). In the case of drains, sewers, water supply systems, buildings and electrical works, it will verify compliance with Indian Standards and accepted engineering practices. All development works, including those handled by project management consultants (PMCs) or other govt bodies, will fall under the scope of this agency's review. YEIDA will bear the cost of all lab testing and any special equipment needed. While the agency will issue recommendations based on its findings, the final decision to act on them will rest with YEIDA. Officials said YEIDA is currently involved in a wide range of development activities, including the construction of roads, drains, sewers, water supply systems, electrical infrastructure, overhead tanks, civil structures, horticulture and urban services. These works span residential, commercial, industrial and institutional areas.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Time of India
Co to audit infra projects off Yamuna Expressway, flag engineering defects
Noida: Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has decided to hire a third-party agency to monitor and audit the quality of its ongoing and upcoming works. This will ensure high construction standards and error-free execution of its major development projects. Its duties will include setting up testing laboratories, collecting material samples, arranging tests and submitting detailed reports to YEIDA on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. The reports will highlight any defects or quality concerns and the agency will also track whether corrective measures are taken by the project engineers. Last week, YEIDA issued a request for proposal for the selection of the agency. The last date to submit applications is June 9. The agency will provide regular feedback on material quality and workmanship to help prevent construction defects before they occur. The selected agency will be responsible for conducting both scheduled and surprise inspections across all stages of construction. A YEIDA official said, "With so many civic projects and infrastructure schemes underway — including Noida International Airport, Film City, Toy Park and the proposed Semiconductor Park — YEIDA is focusing on maintaining the highest quality standards," said an official. "Hiring a third-party quality assurance agency is part of that effort." The agency will be required to deploy staff based on the size and scale of the project. Smaller teams will be assigned works worth up to Rs 500 crore, while larger teams will be needed for projects of higher value. For road projects, the agency will ensure that the materials used and the thickness of layers meet the standards prescribed by the ministry of road transport and highways (MORTH). In the case of drains, sewers, water supply systems, buildings and electrical works, it will verify compliance with Indian Standards and accepted engineering practices. All development works, including those handled by project management consultants (PMCs) or other govt bodies, will fall under the scope of this agency's review. YEIDA will bear the cost of all lab testing and any special equipment needed. While the agency will issue recommendations based on its findings, the final decision to act on them will rest with YEIDA. Officials said YEIDA is currently involved in a wide range of development activities, including the construction of roads, drains, sewers, water supply systems, electrical infrastructure, overhead tanks, civil structures, horticulture and urban services. These works span residential, commercial, industrial and institutional areas.
India.com
29-05-2025
- India.com
Rare Species Of Flora And Fauna Discovered Near Delhi – A Must-See!
The Indian capital of Delhi earns its reputation as a concrete urban area through its population density together with its traffic problems and outward-building trend. Beneath Delhi's urban appearance exists an astounding natural biodiversity collection. The city borders the natural ecosystem remnants of Aravalli hills and Yamuna floodplains and various protected areas which protect rare animal and plant species. The distinct species which reside only in this area maintain the regional ecological equilibrium while safeguarding Delhi's natural history. A presentation of seven critical aspects explains why we can only observe unique flora and fauna species in Delhi and its surrounding areas. 1. The Aravalli Biodiversity Park: A Haven for Native Species The Aravalli Biodiversity Park exists in the southern part of Delhi to both reconstruct native plants and build wildlife habitats. The 692-acre park showcases more than 300 plant species where most are local to the Aravalli range. Two rare plant species the Anogeissus pendula and Boswellia serrata along with other native species grow naturally in this habitat. The park functions as a vital sanctuary for disappearing biodiversity in Delhi by fostering both birds and reptiles with insects. 2. Sarus Cranes: Majestic Birds of the Yamuna Floodplains One can locate the world's tallest flying bird of species Antigone antigone (Sarus Crane) throughout the Delhi region's wetlands near the Yamuna River. Each Sarus Crane reaches heights of six feet into the air with distinctive red heads and elongated necks. The Yamuna floodplains protect small remaining groups of wildlife because habitat destruction and increased agricultural lands have reduced their overall population. The conservation of Delhi's wetlands becomes vital because Sarus Cranes inhabit this region. 3. Nilgai populations inhabit the edges between urbanized areas and they go by the name Blue Bull. The Asian antelope species Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus ) holds the title of Asia's biggest antelope and primarily resides in scrub forests and grasslands at Delhi's city limits. Mass populations of Nilgai inhabit northern India yet this species exhibits adaptation success within urban territories because they explore residential areas during feeding activities. Scientific trackers from conservation organizations follow Nilgais to stop conflicts between animals and humans as well as to protect the antelope species within broken-down habitats. 4. Blackbuck: An Endangered Antelope Making a Comeback The Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) gained notoriety as an endangered species that faced extinction from hunting activities and habitat loss but it has recently recovered in the areas near Delhi. Blackbucks have recovered to a limited extent due to the implementation of protective measures along with population reintroduction in Sultanpur National Park and other nearby sanctuaries. These creatures possess graceful spiral horns combined with a unique coat pattern that makes them stand out as one of the most attractive wildlife species in the area. Sustainable habitat for animal groups depends on the preservation of open grasslands. 5. Medicinal Plants of the Ridge Forest Numerous rare medicinal plants exist throughout the Delhi Ridge which people traditionally call 'green lungs' of the city. The rocky terrain supports the natural growth of Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica) which treats respiratory problems together with Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) that strengthens the immune system. Traditional medicine benefits from these plants while they help preserve soil stability and support wild animals that inhabit the area. The Ridge forest conservation is crucial to protect these important botanical resources. 6. The Monitor Lizard Occupies Its Role As The Top Predator That Inhabits Urban Water Reservoirs Delhi residents can observe the Indian Monitor Lizard (Varanus bengalensis ) throughout its habitat near and in the city area. The reptiles rest near Sanjay Lake and Okhla Bird Sanctuary waters where they exist as top predators which feed on fish and birds alongside small mammals. Monitor lizards survive in particular urban areas despite the continuous threats of habitat destruction and animal poaching. Healthy aquatic environments with existing wildlife populations demonstrate that conservation work needs to keep advancing. 7. Migratory Birds: Seasonal Visitors to Delhi's Wetlands Thousands among thousands of migratory birds choose Delhi as their temporary winter base each year when they journey from Siberia and Europe and Central Asia. The Okhla Bird Sanctuary along with Najafgarh Drain serve as habitat for endangered bird species including Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus ) and Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca ). During their seasonal migration birds enhance Delhi's bird population numbers while demonstrating the vital need to conserve these wetland territories. These vital ecosystems require immediate protection because they face substantial threats from the advancing pollution and encroachment. Conclusion The location of Delhi between the Aravalli Hills and Yamuna River creates an optimal setting for the development of rare species to thrive. The wildlife zone includes remarkable species such as Sarus Cranes that share their habitat with medicinal plants of the Ridge forest region alongside development areas in Delhi. However, rapid urbanization, pollution, and climate change pose severe threats to their survival. Sustainable protection of natural wonders requires continuous alliance between citizens and policymakers and environmental organizations. The preservation of rare natural species through conservation action and knowledge sharing will maintain Delhi as their sanctuary while allowing humans to coexist with nature in an urban environment.
