Dhanauri and Asan Wetlands

Dhanauri Wetlands (Uttar Pradesh)

Why in News

  • NGT Intervention – Petition filed to halt Noida International Airport (Jewar Airport) construction until Dhanauri Wetlands receive official protection.
  • Pending Ramsar Status – Proposal under review by Uttar Pradesh Wetland Authority since August 2022.
  • Wildlife Institute of India Report – Urges immediate declaration as a Wildlife Sanctuary or Conservation Reserve.
  • YEIDA NOC – Land-owning authority granted No Objection Certificate for Ramsar designation.
  • Location: Greater Noida, 98 ha in Yamuna floodplains; near Okhla Bird Sanctuary.
  • Biodiversity: IBA; 217+ bird species; ~150 Sarus Cranes (IUCN Vulnerable).
  • Ecological Role: Groundwater recharge, flood buffer, carbon sink.
  • Threats: Urbanisation, encroachment, pollution, climate change.
  • Conservation: Ramsar notification pending; suggested as Wildlife Sanctuary.

Asan Wetland (Uttarakhand)

Why in News

  • Hosted Asian Waterbird Census (2025) – Recorded 5,225 birds of 117 species.
  • First Ramsar Site in Uttarakhand – Designated in 2020; key habitat on Central Asian Flyway.
  • Location: Greater Noida, 98 ha in Yamuna floodplains; near Okhla Bird Sanctuary.
  • Biodiversity: IBA; 217+ bird species; ~150 Sarus Cranes (IUCN Vulnerable).
  • Ecological Role: Groundwater recharge, flood buffer, carbon sink.
  • Threats: Urbanisation, encroachment, pollution, climate change.
  • Conservation: Ramsar notification pending; suggested as Wildlife Sanctuary.

Wetland Conservation in India – Context

Importance

  • India has 4.63% of land under wetlands (~15.26 Mha).
  • Provide flood control, water filtration, biodiversity habitat, carbon storage.

Status – 80 Ramsar sites (2025) covering 1.3 Mha; target 100 sites by 2027.

Key Schemes & Initiatives

  1. Amrit Dharohar Initiative (2023–25) – Promote conservation & sustainable tourism.
  2. NPCA Scheme – ₹700 crore allocation (2024–25) for wetland restoration.
  3. Wetlands Rules (2017, amended 2024) – Stronger penalties, mandated community participation.
  4. Ramsar Expansion Program – Focus on urban & coastal wetlands.
  5. MISHTI – Restore 5,000 ha of mangrove wetlands.
  6. Namami Gange – Wetland Integration – 150 wetlands restored along the Ganga; dolphin population rise.

Challenges

  • Encroachment, pollution, climate change impacts.
  • Lack of integrated policies & coordination.

Strengthening Measures

  • Faster Ramsar approvals & legal protections.
  • Promote eco-tourism linked to livelihoods.
  • Integrate GIS-based monitoring and citizen science.
  • Align with international commitments under Ramsar Convention.