Environment & Conservation

Surajpur Wetland: Greater Noida’s Threatened Bird Haven

🦢 A Vital Urban Ecosystem in Peril

The Surajpur Wetland, located in Greater Noida, is grappling with ecological distress due to the inflow of polluted wastewater. Once a thriving hub for migratory birds and biodiversity, this 325-hectare wetland is now under threat, prompting urgent conservation efforts by authorities, NGOs, and environmental researchers.

📍 Location & Ecological Significance

• Situated in Surajpur Village, Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
• Part of India’s Western Wildlife Circuit
• Geographical Coordinates: 28°31.425’N, 77°29.714’E
• Elevation: 184.7 meters above sea level
• Just 20 km from Noida, making it a highly accessible nature spot

🐦 Biodiversity Hotspot

The wetland is an essential habitat for migratory and resident waterfowl:

• Breeding Species:
  • Spot-billed Duck
  • Lesser-whistling Duck
  • Red-crested Pochard
• Winter Visitors:
  • Bar-headed Goose
  • Common Teal

The surrounding area hosts moist and dry deciduous vegetation, supporting a rich ecological web.

🌊 Water Sources & Terrain

• Primarily rain-fed
• Supplemented by:
  • Hawalia drain (connected to the Hindan River)
  • Tilapta minor irrigation canal
• Lacustrine soils support the unique aquatic vegetation
• Mix of wetland and terrestrial ecosystems

🌱 Conservation Measures Since 2010

Joint efforts by:

• Uttar Pradesh Forest Department
• WWF-India
• Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority

These aim to:

• Restore ecological balance
• Promote sustainable habitat management
• Elevate Surajpur to bird sanctuary status

Recent initiatives include:

• Monitoring water quality
• Controlling encroachments
• Improving habitat for nesting birds

🕊️ Cultural & Historical Relevance

Surajpur isn’t just a natural marvel — it’s deeply woven into the mythologies of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and local lore of the Gurjjar and Bhati Rajput communities. This makes its preservation vital, not only ecologically but culturally.

🚨 What’s at Stake

• Pollution threatens migratory birds and aquatic life
• Loss of biodiversity can trigger a ripple effect on nearby ecosystems
• Urgent need for citizen awareness and engagement in protecting this vital wetland

The Surajpur Wetland stands as a symbol of urban-natural coexistence — a sanctuary worth saving.