(delhibirdpix) OBITUARY - DADRI WETLANDS

It is with a heavy heart that I write the Obituary of one my best Birding and Photographing

Destination -  DADRI WETLANDS, a Wetland that had been on the Maps of Survey of India 

since early 20th Century.

Discovered on 17th February 2007 as one of the most vibrant Birding Destinations for all

the year round, it lies today completely dry -  not a single drop of water any where in the whole

area and not a Waterfowl.

This morning found just one Migratory Terrestrial Bird - Common Stonechat ( A male

and A Female).  No Waterfowl at all - Migratory or Resident.  No Blackbucks. No Blue Bulls.

Just a few Larks.

Dadri Wetland became a victim of Human Greed, Construction Lobby and a so called

Philanthropy Mission - a University. Ansals and Nadars are the perpetrators of this 

Crime against the Birds, Wild Life and Environment.

Dadri Wetlands was a Wetland that abounded with Birds all through the year - 209

Species Recorded in 172 Visits and in 2010 Winter over 100000 Birds made Dadri Wetlands

their Home.  The last Exotic Species seen was Lesser Florican.  It was home to the

State Bird of U.P. -  Sarus Crane that fed here, bred here and Danced here.

Dadri Wetlands gave me some Images that I am quite proud of.  I dedicate three such 

images to the memory of  the Wetland.

It was not that we did not make efforts to Save Dadri Wetlands.  MOEF was shown a Video

and the then Minister did intervene but was pathetic in getting anything done. A Case was filed 

with National Green Tribunal that stayed construction but the orders were flouted.

In its recent judgement, National Green Tribunal held that Dadri Wetland existed in

over 72 ha but has been encroached upon  and the area left is less than 32 ha now.

Hopefully, NGT would order restoration and if it does not, I would approach the

Supreme Court for Restoring the Wetland as it existed till 2008 when the encroachments

started.

R. I. P - Dadri Wetlands - May You Set An Example So We May Save Other Wetlands.

Rest assured - one man who can do something - the Prime Minister of India  - is being 

made aware of your demise.

R.I.P. Dadri Wetlands - Discovered 20007.02.17 and Lost 2014.10.04

Anand Arya
353, Sector 15A
NOIDA 201301
INDIA
+ 91 98182 61909
www.anandarya.com
www.okhlabirdpark.com
"This is a copyrighted image. Not to be used for any purpose without prior permission."