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Synopsis

A major environmental battle is brewing over the conservation and notification of the Dhanauri Wetlands in Greater Noida, Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. In response to a plea requesting a halt on Jewar Airport construction until Dhanauri Wetland's safeguarding, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday last week gave the state government four weeks' time to update on Dhanauri Wetland's Ramsar Wetland designation status in Greater Noida.

The issue came to the forefront as Anand Arya, a bird watcher, moved an application before the NGT to declare Dhanauri Wetlands as Ramsar Wetland site.

The applicant alleged that the State of Uttar Pradesh has failed to fulfill its obligations in notifying Dhanauri Wetland as a designated wetland, in accordance with directives from the Supreme Court in orders dated February 8, 2017 and October 4, 2017. These orders were issued in the matter of M.K. Balakrishnan vs. Union of India & Ors [W.P.(Civil) No. 230/2001].

He further highlighted that in airport's environmental clearance,one of the stipulated conditions was to guarantee protection to the Wetland in letter and spirit.

Dhanauri Wetland, renowned for its rich biodiversity, is home to over 217 bird species, solidifying its status as an essential birding area, recognized by BirdLife International and fulfills the criteria for declaring it as Ramsar Wetland site, the applicant submitted. 

Notably, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands stands as an international treaty offering the structure for preserving wetlands and their associated resources.

Before the Tribunal, the counsel for the State of Uttar Pradesh contended that a proposal to notify Dhanauri Wetland was submitted to the Wetland Authority on August 4, 2022. However, the process faced challenges, with objections raised and additional documentation requested by the Wetland Authority. The concerned Conservator of Forest subsequently submitted the necessary documents on April 1, 2023, he informed. 

According to the counsel representing the State of UP, the Wetland Authority is now actively considering issuing a notification for Dhanauri Wetland as a designated wetland. The counsel further noted that this statement was based on instructions received from the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO).

In light of the ongoing developments, the Tribunal bench of chairperson Prakash Shrivastava and Dr A Senthil granted a four-week extension for the State of Uttar Pradesh to provide an update on the status of the matter pending before the Wetland Authority regarding the issuance of the notification.

The case is scheduled for the next hearing on November 20, 2023.

Case Title: Anand Arya Versus Union of India & Ors

[Inputs: Indian Express]