‘Bound to declare’ Dhanauri in Gr Noida a wetland: UP govt tells NGT

In a significant development, the Uttar Pradesh government on September 4 told the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that it is “bound to declare” Dhanauri as a wetland, even as the tribunal directed all concerned authorities to ensure the fragile site is “protected and preserved” in the interim.

- Maria Khan

The submission marks a significant moment for Dhanauri, a drying wetland in Greater Noida that serves as a critical habitat for the Sarus crane - the tallest flying bird in the world, listed as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). India is home to the largest Sarus population globally, most in Uttar Pradesh, where the bird is the state symbol.

The assurance came during a hearing on a plea filed by birdwatcher Anand Arya. The NGT recorded that the state sought time to clarify whether it would forward the site’s proposal for Ramsar recognition to the Union environment ministry, provided the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (Yeida) raised no objections.