Okhla Sanctuary - Revision history

UpdateBot: robot: Update article (please report if you notice any mistake or error in this edit)

2022-06-27T10:47:00Z

robot: Update article (please report if you notice any mistake or error in this edit)

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:17, 27 June 2022
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=May 2018}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=May 2018}}
	{{Use Indian English\|date=May 2018}}		{{Use Indian English\|date=May 2018}}
			{{Short description\|Bird sanctuary in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India}}

	{{Infobox protected area		{{Infobox protected area
	\| name = Okhla Sanctuary		\| name = Okhla Sanctuary
	\| alt_name = ~~Shaheed Chander Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary~~		\| alt_name =
	\| photo =Okhla bird sanctuary Entrance.jpeg		\| photo =Okhla bird sanctuary Entrance.jpeg
	\| photo_alt = Entrance of Okhla bird sanctuary		\| photo_alt = Entrance of Okhla bird sanctuary
Line 26:		Line 27:
	\| url =		\| url =
	}}		}}
	'''Okhla Bird ~~Sanctuary''' officially known as '''Shaheed Chander Shekhar Azad~~ Sanctuary''' is a [[Wildlife sanctuary\|bird sanctuary]] at the [[Okhla barrage]] over [[Yamuna River]]. It is situated in [[Noida]], [[Gautam Buddh Nagar district]], on [[Delhi]]-[[Uttar Pradesh]] state border and known as a haven for over 300 bird species, especially waterbirds.<ref name=ht/> In 1990, an area of {{convert\|3.5\|km2\|sqmi}} on the river [[Yamuna]] was designated a bird sanctuary by the [[Government of Uttar Pradesh]] under the [[Wildlife Protection Act, 1972]]. The site is located at the point where the river enters [[Uttar Pradesh]]. The most prominent feature of the sanctuary is the large lake created by damming the river, which lies between [[Okhla]] village to the west and Gautam Budh Nagar to the east.		'''Okhla Bird Sanctuary''' is a [[Wildlife sanctuary\|bird sanctuary]] at the [[Okhla barrage]] over [[Yamuna River]]. It is situated in [[Noida]], [[Gautam Buddh Nagar district]], on [[Delhi]]-[[Uttar Pradesh]] state border and known as a haven for over 300 bird species, especially waterbirds.<ref name=ht/> In 1990, an area of {{convert\|3.5\|km2\|sqmi}} on the river [[Yamuna]] was designated a bird sanctuary by the [[Government of Uttar Pradesh]] under the [[Wildlife Protection Act, 1972]]. The site is located at the point where the river enters [[Uttar Pradesh]]. The most prominent feature of the sanctuary is the large lake created by damming the river, which lies between [[Okhla]] village to the west and Gautam Budh Nagar to the east.
	The Okhla Bird Sanctuary (OBS) is roughly 4 square kilometres in size and is situated at the entrance of NOIDA in Gautam Budh Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh. It is situated at a point where river Yamuna enters in the state of Uttar Pradesh leaving the territory of Delhi. It is one among fifteen bird sanctuaries in the state.		The Okhla Bird Sanctuary (OBS) is roughly 4 square kilometres in size and is situated at the entrance of NOIDA in Gautam Budh Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh. It is situated at a point where river Yamuna enters in the state of Uttar Pradesh leaving the territory of Delhi. It is one among fifteen bird sanctuaries in the state.

Line 55:		Line 56:

	==Concerns==		==Concerns==
	Even though UP government has claimed that it is taking all steps to protect Okhla Bird Sanctuary, the forest is declining,<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/100-trees-felled-in-Okhla-sanctuary/articleshow/31062887.cms\|title = 100 trees felled in Okhla sanctuary \| Noida News - Times of India}}</ref> The Okhla bird sanctuary is seeing a record low turnout with every coming year. Once a thriving habitat for flamingos and sarus and pochards, the Okhla Bird Sanctuary today is devoid of most of its winged visitors. Even the number of small terrestrial birds like stonechats, warblers and paradise flycatchers has declined~~. The question is that why are the birds giving this important birding area, a miss?~~.		Even though UP government has claimed that it is taking all steps to protect Okhla Bird Sanctuary, the forest is declining,<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/100-trees-felled-in-Okhla-sanctuary/articleshow/31062887.cms\|title = 100 trees felled in Okhla sanctuary \| Noida News - Times of India\|website = [[The Times of India]]}}</ref> The Okhla bird sanctuary is seeing a record low turnout with every coming year. Once a thriving habitat for flamingos and sarus and pochards, the Okhla Bird Sanctuary today is devoid of most of its winged visitors. Even the number of small terrestrial birds like stonechats, warblers and paradise flycatchers has declined.

	Experts allege that constructions like commercial complexes, DND expressway, flyovers and even the Ambedkar Park, have destroyed the feeding grounds around the bird sanctuary. Birds steer clear from the 400 kV lines. Yet despite the threats, the Baikal teal, a migratory duck was seen after 40 years in Okhla Bird Sanctuary near Delhi giving that one sign of hope for this bird haven.		Experts allege that constructions like commercial complexes, DND expressway, flyovers and even the Ambedkar Park, have destroyed the feeding grounds around the bird sanctuary. Birds steer clear from the 400 kV lines. Yet despite the threats, the Baikal teal, a migratory duck was seen after 40 years in Okhla Bird Sanctuary near Delhi giving that one sign of hope for this bird haven.
	The waters at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary were once teeming with birds. Today there are scanty number of birds~~. The empty landscape is perhaps a wake up call for the UP and Delhi state governments to ensure better protection for this neglected sanctuary~~.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110423025828/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/birds-becoming-extinct-in-okhla-sanctuary/148812-3.html ]</ref>		The waters at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary were once teeming with birds. Today there are scanty number of birds. <ref>{{cite web \|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/birds-becoming-extinct-in-okhla-sanctuary/148812-3.html \|title=Archived copy \|website=ibnlive.in.com \|access-date=17 January 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110423025828/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/birds-becoming-extinct-in-okhla-sanctuary/148812-3.html \|archive-date=23 April 2011 \|url-status=dead}}</ref>

	The WII had observed that the ESZ should cover the entire flood plain from [[Wazirabad barrage]] to Jaitpur in Delhi to Asgharpur in Uttar Pradesh. "Hence the area west to Geeta Colony Road, Noida Link Road in the east to the river and area east to G.T. Road-National Highway 1 up to Jaitpur in the west to river can be included as ESZ," the report said. But the environment ministry has reportedly agreed to the Uttar Pradesh government's proposal of notifying only 100 metres as ESZ. The Haryana government has claimed that none of its territory falls within 5,000 metres of the sanctuary and is thus outside the ESZ.		The WII had observed that the ESZ should cover the entire flood plain from [[Wazirabad barrage]] to Jaitpur in Delhi to Asgharpur in Uttar Pradesh. "Hence the area west to Geeta Colony Road, Noida Link Road in the east to the river and area east to G.T. Road-National Highway 1 up to Jaitpur in the west to river can be included as ESZ," the report said. But the environment ministry has reportedly agreed to the Uttar Pradesh government's proposal of notifying only 100 metres as ESZ. The Haryana government has claimed that none of its territory falls within 5,000 metres of the sanctuary and is thus outside the ESZ.
Line 90:		Line 91:

	{{Meerut division topics}}		{{Meerut division topics}}



	[[Category:Wildlife sanctuaries in Uttar Pradesh]]		[[Category:Wildlife sanctuaries in Uttar Pradesh]]

->CodeTalker: Reverted 1 edit by 2A00:1851:8003:5B68:6585:7D74:6ACE:A16C (talk) to last revision by ClueBot NG

2021-10-19T18:49:47Z

Reverted 1 edit by 2A00:1851:8003:5B68:6585:7D74:6ACE:A16C (talk) to last revision by ClueBot NG

New page

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2018}}

{{Infobox protected area
| name = Okhla Sanctuary
| alt_name = Shaheed Chander Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary
| photo =Okhla bird sanctuary Entrance.jpeg
| photo_alt = Entrance of Okhla bird sanctuary
| photo_caption =
| photo_width =
| map = India Uttar Pradesh#India
| relief =1
| map_alt =
| map_caption =
| map_width =
|coordinates ={{coords|28.565|N|77.303|E|display=inline,title}}
| location = [[Noida]], [[Gautam Buddh Nagar district]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[India]]
| nearest_city = [[Noida]]
| region =
| area = {{convert|3.5|km2|sqmi}}
| established = 1990
| visitation_num =
| visitation_year =
| governing_body = [[Government of India]]
| world_heritage_site =
| url =
}}
'''Okhla Bird Sanctuary''' officially known as '''Shaheed Chander Shekhar Azad Sanctuary''' is a [[Wildlife sanctuary|bird sanctuary]] at the [[Okhla barrage]] over [[Yamuna River]]. It is situated in [[Noida]], [[Gautam Buddh Nagar district]], on [[Delhi]]-[[Uttar Pradesh]] state border and known as a haven for over 300 bird species, especially waterbirds.<ref name=ht/> In 1990, an area of {{convert|3.5|km2|sqmi}} on the river [[Yamuna]] was designated a bird sanctuary by the [[Government of Uttar Pradesh]] under the [[Wildlife Protection Act, 1972]]. The site is located at the point where the river enters [[Uttar Pradesh]]. The most prominent feature of the sanctuary is the large lake created by damming the river, which lies between [[Okhla]] village to the west and Gautam Budh Nagar to the east.
The Okhla Bird Sanctuary (OBS) is roughly 4 square kilometres in size and is situated at the entrance of NOIDA in Gautam Budh Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh. It is situated at a point where river Yamuna enters in the state of Uttar Pradesh leaving the territory of Delhi. It is one among fifteen bird sanctuaries in the state.

The bird species of thorny scrub, grassland and wetland are seen in the sanctuary due its location. This wetland was formed by the creation of Okhla Barrage. The Uttar Pradesh Government designated this a sanctuary in the year 1990. It is now one of the 466 IBAs (Important Bird Areas) in India.

==History==
[[File:Northern Shoveler (6895200091).jpg|thumb|200px| [[Northern shoveler]] at Okhla Bird Sanctuary]]
The areas around Okhla barrage, encompassing the river [[Yamuna]] and the marshes associated with it, have been a favorite haunt for [[birdwatchers]], ever since the construction of [[Agra Canal]], which started from here in 1874. Major-General H. P. W. Hutson recorded the birds of [[Okhla]] during the course of his ornithological surveys in the [[Delhi]] region during June 1943 to May 1945. Subsequently, Mrs Usha Ganguli also recorded the [[Bird|avifauna]] from this site in her book, A guide to the birds of the [[Delhi]] area. Following the construction of a barrage and the resulting lake in 1986, birdwatching activity has increased at this site.
Spread over {{convert|3.5|km2|sqmi}} on the river [[Yamuna]], the sanctuary is in the Gautam Budh Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh. It was declared a protected area in 1990, under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.<ref name=toi2009/>

[[File:View of yamuna from okhla bird sanctuary.jpg|thumb|View of yamuna from okhla bird sanctuary]]
Over the years, due to increasing pollution in the Yamuna, and shrinking habitat of marshlands and water areas, the bird count has reduced.<ref>{{cite web | title = Riot of colours returns to Okhla Bird Sanctuary | url = http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/03/stories/2011010361320400.htm| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110119182108/http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/03/stories/2011010361320400.htm| url-status = dead| archive-date = 19 January 2011|date= 3 Jan 2011| work = [[The Hindu]] | access-date = 2013-08-15 }}</ref> The habitat of the sanctuary has been under threat due to rapid urban development and construction activities in the surrounding areas.<ref name=toi2009>{{cite web| title = Petition to protect Okhla bird sanctuary| url =http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-03-12/flora-fauna/28047010_1_birds-species-petition | archive-url =https://archive.today/20130815043938/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-03-12/flora-fauna/28047010_1_birds-species-petition | url-status =dead | archive-date =15 August 2013 |date=12 Mar 2009| work = [[The Times of India]]| access-date = 2013-08-15}}</ref><ref>
{{cite web | title =Report from India: Where Have the Birds Gone?|author=Ananda Banerjee|date=28 July 2011| publisher=ClimateStoryTellers.org
| url = http://www.climatestorytellers.org/stories/ananda-banerjee-where-have-the-birds-gone/ | access-date = 2013-08-15}}</ref> On 14 August 2013, responding to a petition filed by local environmentalist, [[National green tribunal|National Green Tribunal]] (NGT) ordered the [[New Okhla Industrial Development Authority|Noida authority]] to stop unauthorised constructions by private builders within a 10-km radius of the sanctuary. It also asked the authority to conduct fresh land-survey in the area.<ref name=ht>{{cite web | title = Stop constructions around Okhla sanctuary: Tribunal to Noida authority|publisher=Hindustan Times | url = http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Noida/Stop-constructions-around-Okhla-sanctuary-Tribunal-to-Noida-authority/Article1-1108069.aspx| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130818194615/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Noida/Stop-constructions-around-Okhla-sanctuary-Tribunal-to-Noida-authority/Article1-1108069.aspx| url-status = dead| archive-date = 18 August 2013| access-date = 2013-08-15|date= 15 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title = National Green Tribunal whammy to realty projects| url =http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/National-Green-Tribunal-whammy-to-realty-projects/articleshow/21837787.cms|date=15 August 2013| access-date = 2013-08-15 | work = [[The Times of India]]}}</ref> In October 2013, the tribunal issued an interim directive stating "all the building constructions made within 10 km radius of the Okhla bird sanctuary or within distance of [[Eco-Sensitive Zone|Eco-sensitive zone]] as may be prescribed by the notification issued by the MoEF shall be subject to the decision of the [[National Board for Wildlife|National Board for Wild Life]] (NBWL) and till the time the clearance of NBWL is obtained, the authority concerned shall not issue completion certificates to projects." Thereafter, in June 2014, the Supreme Court upheld the order.<ref>{{cite news | title = SC order on Noida projects puts ball back in National Board of Wildlife's court|newspaper=The Hindu| url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/sc-order-on-noida-projects-puts-ball-back-in-national-board-of-wildlifes-court/article6106493.ece|date=12 June 2014| access-date = 2014-06-18| author= Anumeha Yadav}}</ref><ref>
{{cite web | title = SC refuses to hear real estate firm's plea against Okhla sanctuary curbs |publisher= Livemint
| url = http://www.livemint.com/Politics/15Y4NNr1iW6KyGzbU6TlKP/SC-refuses-to-hear-real-estate-firms-plea-against-Okhla-san.html
|date=10 June 2014| access-date = 2014-06-18 }}</ref>

==Attractions==
[[File:List of Birds found in OBS.JPG|thumb|240px| Birds found in Okhla bird sanctuary]]
A total of 302 species have confirmed records from Okhla bird sanctuary and the areas in its immediate vicinity. An additional 27 species have been listed by Harris (2001) as probable, but unconfirmed, occurrence. In January 2011, as a part of Asian Waterbird Census 2011, a [[leucistic]] [[coot]], known for its unusual bright white plumage, was spotted with the flock of [[common coot]]s, for the first time in India.<ref>{{cite news | title = Bird census records rare leucistic Coot in Okhla sanctuary |work=The Hindu| url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/article1121545.ece |date=24 January 2011| access-date = 2013-08-15 }}</ref> The sanctuary hosts over 400 species year round and over 1 lakh [[migratory birds]] in winter months. It hosts 30% of the 1200 to 1300 bird species recorded in the Indian sub-continent.<ref>{{cite web | title = Paradise destroyed |publisher= Hindustan Times | url = http://www.hindustantimes.com/htestates/chunk-ht-ui-htestates-topstories/paradise-destroyed/article1-1230002.aspx | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140618011728/http://www.hindustantimes.com/htestates/chunk-ht-ui-htestates-topstories/paradise-destroyed/article1-1230002.aspx | url-status = dead | archive-date = 18 June 2014 |author=Vandana Ramnani|date=16 June 2014 |access-date = 2014-06-18 }}</ref>

The total Okhla list includes:<ref name=to>{{cite web | title = Okhla Bird Sanctuary| url = http://toroid.org/ams/okhla| access-date = 2013-08-15}}</ref>
* Two critically endangered (CR) species ([[white-rumped vulture]] and [[Indian vulture]])
* Nine vulnerable (VU) species ([[Baikal teal]], [[Baer’s pochard]], [[sarus crane]], [[sociable lapwing]], [[Indian skimmer]], [[Pallas’s fish eagle]], [[lesser adjutant]], [[bristled grassbird]] and [[Finn’s weaver]])
* Seven near threatened (NT) species ([[ferruginous pochard]], [[black-bellied tern]], [[grey-headed fish eagle]], erratically east to [[West Bengal]] and south to [[Kerala]] and [[Sri Lanka]].
[[File:A wooden path for visitors.jpg|thumb|A wooden path for visitors]]

==Concerns==
Even though UP government has claimed that it is taking all steps to protect Okhla Bird Sanctuary, the forest is declining,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/100-trees-felled-in-Okhla-sanctuary/articleshow/31062887.cms|title = 100 trees felled in Okhla sanctuary | Noida News - Times of India}}</ref> The Okhla bird sanctuary is seeing a record low turnout with every coming year. Once a thriving habitat for flamingos and sarus and pochards, the Okhla Bird Sanctuary today is devoid of most of its winged visitors. Even the number of small terrestrial birds like stonechats, warblers and paradise flycatchers has declined. The question is that why are the birds giving this important birding area, a miss?.

Experts allege that constructions like commercial complexes, DND expressway, flyovers and even the Ambedkar Park, have destroyed the feeding grounds around the bird sanctuary. Birds steer clear from the 400 kV lines. Yet despite the threats, the Baikal teal, a migratory duck was seen after 40 years in Okhla Bird Sanctuary near Delhi giving that one sign of hope for this bird haven.
The waters at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary were once teeming with birds. Today there are scanty number of birds. The empty landscape is perhaps a wake up call for the UP and Delhi state governments to ensure better protection for this neglected sanctuary.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110423025828/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/birds-becoming-extinct-in-okhla-sanctuary/148812-3.html ]</ref>

The WII had observed that the ESZ should cover the entire flood plain from [[Wazirabad barrage]] to Jaitpur in Delhi to Asgharpur in Uttar Pradesh. "Hence the area west to Geeta Colony Road, Noida Link Road in the east to the river and area east to G.T. Road-National Highway 1 up to Jaitpur in the west to river can be included as ESZ," the report said. But the environment ministry has reportedly agreed to the Uttar Pradesh government's proposal of notifying only 100 metres as ESZ. The Haryana government has claimed that none of its territory falls within 5,000 metres of the sanctuary and is thus outside the ESZ.

According to the report, emphasis should be given to protecting flood plains to the north and south of the sanctuary by increasing the width of the ESZ. The northern boundary of the zone was to be extended to Wazirabad Barrage as the sanctuary is a riverine area and any development activity upstream would affect its integrity. "The southern boundary of the ESZ should be extended to at least 5,000 metres down to Asgarpur Jagir (UP)-Jaitpur (Delhi), covering both sides of the river. A diagrammatic land use in this area (flood plains) needs to be maintained unaltered to avoid further increase in pressure on the sanctuary. A buffer of vegetation needs to be maintained at both the edge of the eastern and western boundary of the sanctuary," the WII recommended.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/environment-ministry-ignores-green-norms-in-okhla/1/382746.html|title = Ministry ignores green norms in Okhla}}</ref>

==Transport==
The sanctuary is approachable from [[Mathura Road]] ([[National Highway 2 (India)|NH-2]]), via [[Sarita Vihar]] going towards Noida. The nearest stations of [[Delhi Metro]] is [[Okhla Bird Sanctuary metro station]] on Magenta Line .<ref name=to/>

==See also==
{{div col}}
* [[Arid Forest Research Institute]] (AFRI)
* [[Najafgarh drain bird sanctuary]], Delhi
* [[National Zoological Park Delhi]]
* [[Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary]], Delhi
* [[Sultanpur National Park]], bordering Delhi in adjoining [[Gurgaon District]], [[Haryana]]
* [[Bhalswa horseshoe lake]], Northwest Delhi

{{col div end}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
* {{cite web| title =Managing Floodplains of River Yamuna in Delhi Stretch|url=http://www.wetlands.org/Whatwedo/Ouractions/tabid/2661/ArticleType/ArticleView/ArticleID/1936/PageID/798/Default.aspx |publisher= [[Wetlands International]], South-Asia }}

==External links==
{{commons category|Okhla Bird Sanctuary}}
* [http://obs-up.com/index.php Okhla Bird Sanctuary, website]
*[http://wikimapia.org/7076289/Okhla-Bird-Sanctuary Okhla Bird Sanctuary] [[wikimapia]]


{{Meerut division topics}}

[[Category:Wildlife sanctuaries in Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Bird sanctuaries of Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Gautam Buddh Nagar district]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Delhi]]
[[Category:Wetlands of India]]
[[Category:Protected areas with year of establishment missing]]