Delay in Protecting Dhanauri Wetland Near Jewar Airport

Delay in Protecting Dhanauri Wetland Near Jewar Airport

24-01-2025
  1. On January 22, 2025, The National Green Tribunal (NGT) asked the Uttar Pradesh government to give an update within four weeks about why the Dhanauri wetland hasn’t been officially declared a protected wetland yet.
  2. This order came after a petition by bird-watcher Activist, who wants the site to be declared a Ramsar site (a wetland of international importance) and a bird sanctuary.

What is the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands?

  1. International treaty signed on February 2, 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
  2. Focuses on the conservation and responsible use of wetlands.
  3. World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on February 2, marking the date of the treaty’s signing.

Wetlands Definition (Ramsar Convention):

Areas where water is present at or near the soil surface, either year-round or seasonally (especially during the growing season). Includes wetlands like coral reefs and mangroves. Recognized internationally for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.

Types of Wetlands (Ramsar Classification)

  1. Natural Wetlands:

    1. Oases, Estuaries, Deltas
    2. Mangroves, Coastal Areas, Coral Reefs
  2. Human-made Wetlands:

    1. Fishponds, Rice paddies, Reservoirs.

Ecological Significance Of Ramsar sites:

    1. Home to diverse plant and animal species.
    2. Provide vital ecosystem services:
      1. Water purification
      2. Flood control
      3. Support for local communities.

India’s Ramsar Sites (As of December 2024): Total Ramsar Sites in India: 85 (following the addition of 3 new sites). Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar sites in India, with 18 sites.

1. Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)

  1. Location: On the banks of the Noyyal River.
  2. History: Initially an irrigation reservoir, now a vital wetland ecosystem.
  3. Biodiversity:
    1. Home to birds like Eurasian coot, spot-billed duck, and various herons.
    2. Attracts migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway.

2. Kazhuveli Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)

  1. Location: Coromandel Coast.
  2. Size: One of South India’s largest brackish water wetlands.
  3. Endangered Species: Black-headed ibis and greater flamingo.
  4. Migratory Stopover: Important along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.

3. Tawa Reservoir (Madhya Pradesh)

  1. Formation: Created by damming the Tawa River.

Tawa Reservoir (Madhya Pradesh)

Key Points of Case:

  1. Background of the Petition:

    1. Petitioner wants Dhanauri to be officially recognized as a Ramsar site and a bird sanctuary because of its importance for birdlife, especially migratory birds.
    2. If Dhanauri is declared a Ramsar site, it would get special protection.
  2. NGT’s Order:

    1. The NGT’s bench showed concern about the delay in declaring Dhanauri as a wetland.
    2. The UP government had already decided to declare it a wetland, but the process hasn’t been completed.
    3. The NGT asked why the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department needed 3 more months to consult with local landowners before moving forward, as the decision to protect the wetland had already been made.
  3. Reason for Delay:

    1. The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Gautam Buddha Nagar stated that Dhanauri wetland covers 112.89 hectares, mostly on private land.
    2. The authorities need to talk to the landowners in the villages of Dhanauri Kalan, Thasrana, and Amipur Bangar to get their consent before moving forward.
    3. Because this process involves many landowners, the DFO asked for 3 more months to complete these consultations.
  4. Impact of Jewar Airport on the Wetland:

    1. Dhanauri wetland is located near the site for the new Jewar Airport, a big infrastructure project in Uttar Pradesh.
    2. The airport was approved with conditions that require protecting the local wildlife, including the birds at Dhanauri.
    3. There are concerns that the airport could disturb the birds that use Dhanauri as a habitat, especially migratory birds. This could harm the wetland’s environment and biodiversity.
  5. Legal Process: Who can declare a wetland?

    1. Wetland Notification: The state government can declare a wetland, but for a Ramsar site, the proposal must be sent to the Union Ministry of Environment, which will decide whether to grant it international protection.

Who Can Declare A Wetland Site As Ramsar Site?

National government of a country that is a party to the Ramsar Convention can declare a wetland as a Ramsar site. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in India is responsible for this process.

How the process works:

  1. National Authority: The government of the country (through its designated Ramsar Administrative Authority) nominates a wetland for designation as a Ramsar site.
  2. Ramsar Convention Criteria: The nominated wetland must meet certain criteria set by the Ramsar Convention, which may include factors like biodiversity significance, the presence of endangered species, and its importance as a migratory bird habitat, among others.
  3. National and International Approval:

    1. Once a site is nominated by the Union government, the Ramsar Convention Secretariat reviews the submission to ensure it meets all requirements.
    2. If the site meets the criteria, it is officially added to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.
  4. Management Responsibility: Once declared, the national government is responsible for ensuring the site is managed effectively, ensuring the wetland is conserved and its resources used sustainably.

About National Green Tribunal (NGT):

Establishment

Established in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act.

Purpose

Specialised body for adjudicating environmental cases and addressing multidisciplinary environmental issues.

Objectives

- Environmental protection

- Conservation of natural resources

- Enforcement of environmental rights and providing relief/compensation.

Jurisdiction

- Binding orders

- Authority to grant compensation and damages

- Cases involving environmental laws and challenges to related orders.

Zones

Principal Bench in Delhi (North Zone)

Regional Benches: Bhopal (Central), Kolkata (East), Chennai (South), Pune (West).

Composition

- Chairperson: A retired Supreme Court judge or Chief Justice of a High Court, appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India, serving for five years or until age 70

- Judicial Members: 10 to 20

- Expert Members: 10 to 20

Who can approach?

Any person seeking relief for environmental damage under laws listed in Schedule I of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.

Relevant Laws

- Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

- Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980

- Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

- Biological Diversity Act, 2002

Also Read

UPSC Foundation Course

UPSC Daily Current Affairs

UPSC Monthly Mgazine

CSAT Foundation Course

Free MCQs for UPSC Prelims

UPSC Test Series

ENSURE IAS NOTES

Our Booklist

 

Prime Minister's recent visit to France

PLACES IN NEWS 15th FEBRUARY 2025

IEA Released "India Gas Market Report: Outlook to 2030”