Conservation of Wetland in Greater Noida

The Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jayanthi Natarajan informed in Rajya Sabha on 20th March that a complaint had been received regarding reclamation of wetland habitats in Bil Akbarpur, Greater Noida by Ansal Private Limited. 

A Central team was sent to verify factual position and as per report, condition no. 22 of Environmental Clearance (EC) by State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority, U.P. which states that no wetland should be infringed during construction and operation phases and any wetland coming in the project area should be suitably rejuvenated and conserved, has not been complied.

The Minister clarified that though there are no corroborative evidences to show 200 endangered species of birds, however, as per survey conducted by Uttar Pradesh Government in 2009 Bil Akbarpur has been identified as an important wetland covering 4 hectare area. This wetland harbours a good concentration of Avian Fauna in terms of biodiversity and density, and is considered to be a viable avian habitat.

 

Natarajan informed the house that on the basis of field inspection, a show cause notice was issued to the builders under Section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to stop any construction/Earth Filling/land reclamation work in the vicinity of wetland and lands having characteristics of wetlands.