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Okhla Sanctuary
Okhla Sanctuary
Okhla Sanctuary
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Okhla Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary at the Okhla barrage over Yamuna River. It is situated in Noida, Gautam Buddh Nagar district, on Delhi-Uttar Pradesh state border and known as a haven for over 300 bird species, especially waterbirds.[1] In 1990, an area of 3.5 square kilometres (1.4 sq mi) on the river Yamuna was designated a bird sanctuary by the Government of Uttar Pradesh under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The site is located at the point where the river enters Uttar Pradesh. The most prominent feature of the sanctuary is the large lake created by damming the river, which lies between Okhla village to the west and Gautam Budh Nagar to the east. The Okhla Bird Sanctuary (OBS) is roughly 4 km2 (1.5 sq mi) in size and is situated at the entrance of NOIDA in Gautam Budh Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh. It is situated at a point where river Yamuna enters in the state of Uttar Pradesh leaving the territory of Delhi. It is one among fifteen bird sanctuaries in the state.

Key Information

The bird species of thorny scrub, grassland and wetland are seen in the sanctuary due its location. This wetland was formed by the creation of Okhla Barrage. The Uttar Pradesh Government designated this a sanctuary in the year 1990. It is now one of the 466 IBAs (Important Bird Areas) in India.

History

[edit]
Northern shoveler at Okhla Bird Sanctuary

The areas around Okhla barrage, encompassing the river Yamuna and the marshes associated with it, have been a favorite haunt for birdwatchers, ever since the construction of Agra Canal, which started from here in 1874. Major-General H. P. W. Hutson recorded the birds of Okhla during the course of his ornithological surveys in the Delhi region during June 1943 to May 1945. Subsequently, Mrs Usha Ganguli also recorded the avifauna from this site in her book, A guide to the birds of the Delhi area. Following the construction of a barrage and the resulting lake in 1986, birdwatching activity has increased at this site. Spread over 3.5 square kilometres (1.4 sq mi) on the river Yamuna, the sanctuary is in the Gautam Budh Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh. It was declared a protected area in 1990, under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.[2]

View of Yamuna from Okhla Bird Sanctuary

Over the years, due to increasing pollution in the Yamuna, and shrinking habitat of marshlands and water areas, the bird count has reduced.[3] The habitat of the sanctuary has been under threat due to rapid urban development and construction activities in the surrounding areas.[2][4] On 14 August 2013, responding to a petition filed by local environmentalist, National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered the Noida authority to stop unauthorised constructions by private builders within a 10-km radius of the sanctuary. It also asked the authority to conduct fresh land-survey in the area.[1][5] In October 2013, the tribunal issued an interim directive stating "all the building constructions made within 10 km radius of the Okhla bird sanctuary or within distance of Eco-sensitive zone as may be prescribed by the notification issued by the MoEF shall be subject to the decision of the National Board for Wild Life (NBWL) and till the time the clearance of NBWL is obtained, the authority concerned shall not issue completion certificates to projects." Thereafter, in June 2014, the Supreme Court upheld the order.[6][7]

Attractions

[edit]
Board showing the birds found in the sanctuary

A total of 302 species have confirmed records from Okhla bird sanctuary and the areas in its immediate vicinity. An additional 27 species have been listed by Harris (2001) as probable, but unconfirmed, occurrence. In January 2011, as a part of Asian Waterbird Census 2011, a leucistic coot, known for its unusual bright white plumage, was spotted with the flock of common coots, for the first time in India.[8] The sanctuary hosts over 400 species year round and over 100,000 migratory birds in winter months. It hosts 30% of the 1200 to 1300 bird species recorded in the Indian sub-continent.[9]

The total Okhla list includes:[10]

A wooden path for visitors

Concerns

[edit]

Even though UP government has claimed that it is taking all steps to protect Okhla Bird Sanctuary, the forest is declining,[11] The Okhla bird sanctuary is seeing a record low turnout with every coming year. Once a thriving habitat for flamingos and sarus and pochards, the Okhla Bird Sanctuary today is devoid of most of its winged visitors. Even the number of small terrestrial birds like stonechats, warblers and paradise flycatchers has declined.

Experts allege that constructions like commercial complexes, DND expressway, flyovers and even the Ambedkar Park, have destroyed the feeding grounds around the bird sanctuary. Birds steer clear from the 400 kV lines. Yet despite the threats, the Baikal teal, a migratory duck was seen after 40 years in Okhla Bird Sanctuary near Delhi giving that one sign of hope for this bird haven. The waters at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary were once teeming with birds. Today there are scanty number of birds. [12]

The WII had observed that the ESZ should cover the entire flood plain from Wazirabad barrage to Jaitpur in Delhi to Asgharpur in Uttar Pradesh. "Hence the area west to Geeta Colony Road, Noida Link Road in the east to the river and area east to G.T. Road-National Highway 1 up to Jaitpur in the west to river can be included as ESZ," the report said. But the environment ministry has reportedly agreed to the Uttar Pradesh government's proposal of notifying only 100 metres as ESZ. The Haryana government has claimed that none of its territory falls within 5,000 metres of the sanctuary and is thus outside the ESZ.

According to the report, emphasis should be given to protecting flood plains to the north and south of the sanctuary by increasing the width of the ESZ. The northern boundary of the zone was to be extended to Wazirabad Barrage as the sanctuary is a riverine area and any development activity upstream would affect its integrity. "The southern boundary of the ESZ should be extended to at least 5,000 metres down to Asgarpur Jagir (UP)-Jaitpur (Delhi), covering both sides of the river. A diagrammatic land use in this area (flood plains) needs to be maintained unaltered to avoid further increase in pressure on the sanctuary. A buffer of vegetation needs to be maintained at both the edge of the eastern and western boundary of the sanctuary," the WII recommended.[13]

Transport

[edit]

The sanctuary is approachable from Mathura Road (NH-2), via Sarita Vihar going towards Noida. The nearest stations of Delhi Metro is Okhla Bird Sanctuary metro station on Magenta Line .[10]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Okhla Sanctuary

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Okhla Bird Sanctuary is a protected area of approximately 4 square kilometers situated at the on the River, marking the transition from into Gautam Budh Nagar district in , . Established in 1990 by the Forest Department, it functions primarily as a for migratory and resident , leveraging the riverine formed by the barrage to support diverse waterfowl and avifauna. The sanctuary's location amid rapid urbanization in the National Capital Region underscores its role as a vital green corridor for conservation, hosting significant populations of such as ducks, , and , with peak activity during winter migrations. Despite challenges from pollution and developmental pressures, recent initiatives, including partnerships for restoration, aim to bolster its ecological integrity.

Geography and Formation

Location and Physical Characteristics

The Okhla Bird Sanctuary is located in Gautam Buddh Nagar district, , , at the southeastern periphery of the National Capital Region, where the River transitions from the National Capital Territory of into . It encompasses approximately 4 square kilometers of land adjacent to the on the River, forming a key habitat within the urban-industrial corridor near . Physically, the sanctuary consists of a man-modified characterized by shallow bodies, marshes, and riverine sandbars created by the barrage's impoundment of the , which regulates flow and supports seasonal inundation. The terrain features flat alluvial plains with emergent aquatic vegetation and riparian zones, interspersed with exposed mudflats and sparse terrestrial cover on embankments, reflecting the dynamic of the upper Gangetic . This configuration results from the barrage's role in altering natural river dynamics, producing a of open (historically comprising up to 74% of the area in some assessments) and adjacent vegetated banks.

Historical Development of the Wetland

The Okhla wetland developed as an anthropogenic feature on the River, transforming a historically seasonal inundation zone into a body. Prior to modern interventions, the site comprised alluvial characteristic of the Upper Gangetic Plains, subject to annual flooding that supported temporary aquatic and riparian habitats but lacked sustained retention. The initial alteration occurred with the British-era constructed in 1874 for irrigation via the Agra Canal, which introduced partial impoundment but was limited by design and eventual , maintaining predominantly ephemeral wetland conditions. Significant ecological development ensued from the replacement New Okhla Barrage, with construction commencing in 1979 and operational by the late , expanding the impounded lake area and stabilizing levels year-round. This intervention trapped and slowed flow, fostering sediment deposition that elevated the and enabled the establishment of emergent aquatic vegetation, such as reeds and grasses, alongside submerged macrophytes suited to the nutrient-enriched, low-velocity s. Hydrological studies indicate that post-barrage depths averaged 2-4 meters during non-monsoon periods, promoting conditions for succession from open water to fringing marshes over subsequent decades. By the early 1990s, these changes had yielded a mature urban spanning approximately 4 square kilometers, with diverse microhabitats including deepwater lagoons and shallow marshes that enhanced complexity compared to pre-barrage floodplains. However, the barrage-induced stasis also accelerated from upstream pollutants, altering natural nutrient cycles and favoring over native assemblages in some zones. This human-modified evolution underscores the wetland's dependence on ongoing barrage management for persistence, rather than endogenous geomorphic processes.

Biodiversity Profile

Avian Species and Migration Patterns

The Okhla Bird Sanctuary harbors over 324 avian species belonging to various families, with approximately 50% classified as migratory, 36% resident, and the remainder vagrant or occasional visitors. Among these, the Anatidae family dominates in diversity and abundance, particularly during winter months when species richness peaks, reaching up to 83 species in January compared to minima around 37 in July. Migration patterns at Okhla align with the Central Asian Flyway, drawing Palaearctic winter visitors that arrive primarily from October to November, attain peak congregations in December to February, and depart by March to April. Key migratory waterfowl include the (Anas clypeata), (Anas strepera), (Anas acuta), Common Teal (Anas crecca), (Aythya fuligula), (Aythya ferina), and (Mareca penelope), often forming large flocks numbering in the thousands historically. Additional migrants encompass waders such as the (Vanellus vanellus) and (Vanellus gregarius, critically endangered), as well as , egrets, and like the (Mycteria leucocephala). The wetland's seasonal flooding and emergent vegetation support foraging and roosting for these transcontinental travelers, though records indicate variability influenced by climatic factors and habitat conditions. Resident species, including , , and raptors like the ( migrans), coexist with migrants, contributing to year-round diversity but with lower densities outside winter.

Flora and Non-Avian Fauna

The of Okhla Bird Sanctuary encompasses 192 plant species across 46 families, comprising 19 aquatic, 148 terrestrial, and 21 amphibious species. Dominant vegetation includes extensive reed beds of and species, which proliferate during the season, alongside dense floating mats of the invasive water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and patches of . Tree species exhibit high densities, particularly the exotic and Prosopis juliflora, which contribute to altered native compositions along the riverbanks. Riparian zones support approximately 30 tree species, including spp., (babul), (shisham), (semal), and (subabul), complemented by 10 shrub species, 16 herbs, and 9 climbers. Weeds dominate roughly 70% of sampled terrestrial areas, reflecting pressures from and human activity. Non-avian fauna in the sanctuary includes approximately 10 species, notably (Boselaphus tragocamelus), (Urva edwardsii), black-naped (Lepus nigricollis), (Felis chaus), and (Canis aureus), which inhabit the grasslands and scrublands. Reptilian diversity comprises 8 species, such as monitor lizards (Varanus spp.), , and garden lizards, adapted to the and terrestrial interfaces. Amphibians are represented by 2 species, primarily frogs utilizing seasonal water bodies. The aquatic subsystem supports 87 fish species, including cyprinids and catfishes, though populations face declines from and altered . Insect communities, while diverse, remain under-documented but include and aquatic larvae integral to the .

Conservation Status and Achievements

The Okhla Bird Sanctuary was notified as a wildlife sanctuary by the in 1990 under Section 18 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which empowers state governments to declare areas as sanctuaries for the protection of wildlife and habitats. This designation encompassed approximately 3.5 square kilometers of along the River, primarily formed by the upstream , to safeguard migratory bird populations and associated aquatic ecosystems. Under the initial protections afforded by the Act, activities such as , , and collection of wild animals or their parts were prohibited within the boundaries, with penalties including fines and for violations. The notification also restricted , including unauthorized felling of trees and drainage of wetlands, while allowing regulated entry for scientific, educational, or conservation purposes under state oversight. Management responsibility fell to the Forest Department, which was tasked with boundary demarcation, patrolling, and basic infrastructure like watchtowers to enforce these measures, though early faced challenges from limited and adjacent urban pressures.

Recorded Successes in Biodiversity Support

The Okhla Bird Sanctuary has demonstrated capacity to support migratory avian populations, with a recorded 40% increase in migratory counts during the 2018 winter season compared to prior assessments, attributed to seasonal conditions and reduced disturbances. This uptick included sightings of species such as the and , highlighting the site's role as a stopover for Central Asian migrants. As a designated Key Biodiversity Area, the sanctuary sustains 19 globally threatened bird species, comprising two Critically Endangered (including the Baer’s pochard), nine Vulnerable, seven Near Threatened, and one , per IUCN criteria. It hosts over 324 resident and migratory bird species alongside 188 plant species, including medicinal varieties, underscoring its ecological value in an urban matrix. These assemblages reflect successful retention for wetland-dependent despite proximate . Conservation actions have yielded targeted improvements, such as the 2024 CSR initiative, which conducted a large-scale cleaning drive to remove invasive and upgraded educational with new information boards and signage to bolster awareness and visitor management. In March 2025, the sanctuary hosted India's Wildlife Week celebrations, featuring eco-trails and interactive sessions that promoted public engagement in protection. Such measures, combined with its status as an Important and Area, have facilitated ongoing rehabilitation efforts for wetland ecosystems, including vegetation management to curb proliferation.

Threats and Criticisms

Pollution and Habitat Degradation

The Okhla Bird Sanctuary faces severe primarily from the River, into which untreated and industrial effluents from Delhi's 19 major drains are discharged, rendering the water toxic for aquatic life. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels reached 58 mg/l at the in February 2020, nearly 20 times the acceptable standard of 3 mg/l, while dissolved oxygen (DO) has been effectively nil since 2018, leading to widespread fish die-offs that disrupt the for waterbirds. Earlier assessments reported average BOD at 15.20 ± 3.75 mg/l and DO at 2.26 ± 1.62 mg/l in the sanctuary's waters, classifying it as moderately polluted under indices. This contamination, including and residues, has contributed to the decline of indicator bird species such as skimmers and ospreys, with overall migrant bird counts falling to 8,068 in the 2021 Asian Waterbird Census from 12,212 in 2019. Habitat degradation exacerbates these issues through , proliferation, and periodic drying of the . Heavy has shallowed parts of the , altering foraging areas for birds, while like Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) and Typha angustata cover 20-70% of the sanctuary's surface from December to May, displacing native vegetation and reducing open water availability. Water abstraction for agriculture via the Canal causes the to dry annually in March and October due to mismanagement, severely limiting habitat for migratory waterfowl and contributing to a further drop in bird populations to 3,380 by the 2024 . Solid waste accumulation and air-borne pollutants from surrounding urban areas compound these pressures, turning the sanctuary into an ecologically isolated fragment amid rapid urbanization.

Urban Encroachment and Human Disturbances

The Okhla Bird , positioned at the interface of and in the National Capital Region, experiences intense pressure from urban expansion, with surrounding areas featuring expressways, high-rise housing towers, and construction cranes that fragment natural habitats. Illegal settlements encroach on the western edge, while projects, including skyscrapers like built opposite the main gate, were approved following National Board for Wildlife clearance in August 2015, exacerbating habitat loss. The 2015 notification reduced the to mere meters from the recommended 1 km, facilitating further and skyscraper development adjacent to the sanctuary boundaries. Major infrastructure projects have directly degraded the sanctuary's perimeter; for instance, of the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal memorial between 2009 and 2011 resulted in the felling of over 6,000 trees, disrupting habitats despite opposition from environmentalists and a subsequent ruling in 2010 permitting it. High-tension towers and cables traverse the eastern edge and lake areas, posing collision risks to birds and altering ecological dynamics. In December 2024, the (NGT) directed inspection of illegal constructions, including five concrete rooms used as residences within the sanctuary, violating the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Earlier, in March 2024, NGT intervened to halt road concretization and other brick-and-mortar works that disturbed foraging and roosting birds while impeding . Human activities compound these pressures through unregulated visitation and internal developments; annual visitor numbers surged from 24,833 in 2017-18 to 112,022 in 2024-25, with picnickers, couples, and casual tourists generating noise, litter, and habitat trampling that deter avian species. Unauthorized structures such as kiosks, paved roads, a stone park, and a —some erected by the Forest Department under eco-tourism pretexts—have transformed portions of the into a disturbed recreational zone, with tin sheds and grazing animals further intruding on core areas. Noise from adjacent highways, bridges, and crowds disrupts bird behavior, contributing to reports of extreme anthropogenic interference in and roosting sites as noted in 2023 and 2024 assessments.

Management and Policy Shortcomings

The Okhla Bird Sanctuary has faced persistent management deficiencies, including inadequate enforcement of protective regulations and insufficient coordination among government departments, contributing to habitat degradation and . Despite its designation under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, violations such as unauthorized constructions and encroachments within the —declared in 2013 with a 10 km radius restriction—have proliferated due to weak oversight by the Forest Department. A 2024 report highlighted that bird populations and halved over four years, attributing this partly to unaddressed breaches of the Act, reflecting a in monitoring and punitive action. Policy shortcomings exacerbate these issues, particularly in addressing pollution from the , where urban sewage inflows render the one of 's most contaminated sites despite national wetland conservation guidelines. The absence of robust implementation of the National Wetland Conservation Programme has allowed untreated effluents to persist, with forest officials noting a direct correlation to declining migratory avifauna since at least 2021. Inter-departmental discord, such as the Department's decision in March 2025 to drain the sanctuary's water for gate repairs without ecological safeguards, disrupted habitats critical for migratory birds, underscoring policy gaps in integrated resource management. Internal administrative lapses, including understaffing and outdated infrastructure, have further hampered operations; for instance, a November 2024 eco-tourism event failed due to the conspicuous absence of water birds, drawing criticism for poor maintenance and visitor management protocols. Experts have described this as a "documented " of the department's unwillingness to prioritize protection amid urban pressures, with solid waste accumulation and aging facilities unaddressed until external interventions like corporate CSR upgrades in late 2024. Research from 2015 onward identifies uncontrolled urbanization as enabled by lax policy execution, recommending sustainable strategies that remain largely unimplemented.

Recent Developments and Interventions

The Annual Waterbird Census (AWC), coordinated by and local partners including the , has documented a marked decline in waterbird populations at Bird Sanctuary over the 2020-2024 period, with individual counts dropping from a high of 8,776 birds in 2020 to 3,380 in 2024. Species diversity similarly decreased from 62 recorded (28 resident and 34 migratory) in 2020 to 32 in 2024, reflecting reduced habitat suitability for both overwintering migrants and local breeders. Peak numbers occurred in 2022 with 9,143 individuals across 47 species, followed by successive drops to 6,083 birds in 2023 (36 species) and the 2024 low. This represents an approximate 63% reduction in total individuals from the 2022 peak to 2024, with migratory species—such as Common Teal (Anas crecca) and (Spatula clypeata)—comprising roughly half of the 2023 and 2024 sightings (16 migratory out of 32 species in both years). No comprehensive AWC data for 2025 was available as of October 2025, though preliminary observations suggest continued low abundances amid ongoing wetland stressors.
YearSpecies CountIndividual BirdsNotes
2020628,77634 migratory species recorded.
2022479,143Highest recent individual count.
2023366,08350% decline from 2022.
2024323,380Steepest annual drop; 16 migratory species.
These trends, derived from standardized synchronized counts typically conducted in , underscore a contraction in the sanctuary's role as a stopover for Central Asian migrants, with fewer ducks, waders, and grebes observed compared to earlier baselines. While resident have shown relative stability in diversity, overall abundances reflect broader pressures on peri-urban wetlands, though census methodologies emphasize visibility and may undercount nocturnal or cryptic .

Regulatory Changes and Restoration Efforts

In 2022, the Forest Department approved a comprehensive management plan for Okhla Bird Sanctuary spanning 2022-23 to 2031-32, emphasizing habitat restoration, anti-encroachment measures, and enhanced patrolling to mitigate urban pressures and impacts. This plan builds on the sanctuary's designation as a under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, by incorporating zone-specific strategies, including maintenance and visitor regulation protocols to support migratory bird habitats. Judicial interventions have driven regulatory enforcement, with the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) ordering the removal of illegal constructions within and around the sanctuary in December 2024 following a site inspection, targeting encroachments that fragment habitats. Concurrently, the (NGT) directed inspections of unauthorized developments in December 2024, reinforcing prohibitions on non-forest activities and mandating compliance reports to prevent further degradation. These actions align with broader amendments to the Wildlife (Protection) Act in December 2022, which strengthened enforcement mechanisms for protected areas nationwide. Restoration initiatives have included corporate-led clean-up drives, such as International's August 2024 partnership with the government, which involved large-scale waste removal, infrastructure upgrades like new educational signage on bird species, and habitat enhancement to improve ecological awareness and site usability. In July 2025, a "" plantation event under the "Green Mission 2025" planted to bolster riparian vegetation and combat invasive growth, organized by district authorities to restore . Broader River restoration efforts indirectly support the , with the advancing 11 eco-restoration projects along the 22-km Wazirabad-to-Okhla stretch by May 2025, covering 1,600 hectares through revival, native planting, and to improve and connectivity. A planned park adjacent to the , including new , was slated to commence in September 2025, aiming to buffer and enhance avian foraging areas. Despite these measures, implementation challenges persist, as evidenced by ongoing issues during annual barrage maintenance in March 2025, prompting ranger requests for expedited hydrological interventions.

Access and Utilization

Transportation and Entry

The Okhla Bird Sanctuary is accessible primarily via road and public transportation from and , located approximately 10 kilometers from and 20 kilometers from . The nearest is Okhla Bird Sanctuary on the Delhi Metro's Magenta Line, with additional connections available from Botanical Garden station, facilitating easy access for visitors from via a 32-minute journey to key hubs like Rajiv Chowk. Taxis, ride-sharing services such as Ola or , and auto-rickshaws are readily available from nearby stations like New Ashok Nagar, while local buses operate from areas including , with the first service departing around 5:10 AM. For private vehicles, is provided near the entrance, though space can be limited during peak seasons. Entry to the sanctuary is permitted daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 5:30 PM, with closures on Mondays to allow for maintenance and reduced disturbances to ; arrivals before 7:00 AM may permit free entry in some cases, but official transport services are unavailable until opening. Visitors must pay an entry fee of ₹30 for Indian nationals and ₹350 for foreign tourists, exclusive of additional charges such as ₹500 for camera use or ₹60 for battery car round trips within the premises. Entry beyond specified timings is prohibited and considered trespassing, potentially leading to legal consequences. Guidelines recommend wearing camouflaged or dull-colored clothing to minimize disturbance to birds, and no food outlets are available inside, advising visitors to plan accordingly.

Visitor Activities and Eco-Tourism Potential

The primary visitor activity at Okhla Bird Sanctuary is , with over recorded, including 43 migratory waterbirds such as the shoveler (Anas clypeata) and (Anas acuta) that arrive between November and March. Visitors typically engage in guided or self-directed observations using and field guides, adhering to guidelines that emphasize silence, camouflage clothing, and avoidance of disturbances like littering or loud noises to maximize sightings. Nature walks along designated trails, including a 2 km paved path and shorter unpaved sections paralleling the Yamuna River, provide opportunities for photography, jogging, and general wildlife observation. The sanctuary operates from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM in winter and 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM in summer, with entry fees of ₹30 for Indian nationals and ₹350 for foreigners; additional charges apply for cameras ranging from ₹500 to ₹1,000 depending on type. Facilities include carts for assisted tours, though boating and other recreational options remain limited. Okhla's eco-tourism potential stems from its status as one of India's 466 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and its proximity to Delhi-NCR, offering an urban-accessible for conservation and sustainable visitation. The site's 4 square kilometers host 324 bird species—half migratory—and 188 plant species, supporting prospects for expanded guided eco-tours that could generate revenue for habitat restoration if management improves infrastructure and mitigates pollution impacts. Studies indicate significant growth opportunities for eco-tourism despite current challenges like habitat degradation, leveraging the sanctuary's role in the East Asian Flyway to attract bird enthusiasts and promote awareness. Realizing this requires policy enhancements to balance visitor numbers with ecological integrity, as recent declines in migratory populations have reduced appeal.

References

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  42. https://www.greentribunal.gov.in/sites/default/files/news_updates/ADDITIONAL%2520AFFIDAVIT%2520BY%2520R-7%2520DFO%2520NOIDA%2520IN%2520OA%2520NO.%2520331%2520of%25202024%2520YOGESH%2520KUMAR%2520VS%2520UNION%2520OF%2520INDIA.pdf
  43. https://www.wti.org.in/news/cec-orders-removal-of-illegal-constructions/
  44. https://propnewstime.com/getdetailsStories/MTM1MDE=/ngt-orders-inspection-of-alleged-unauthorised-construction-at-okhla-bird-sanctuary
  45. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/noidavan-mahotsav-celebrated-at-okhla-bird-sanctuary-101751481812329.html
  46. https://www.projectstoday.com/Project-Infographics/Monthly-Magazine/Delhi-govt-steps-up-Yamuna-floodplain-revival-with-11-eco-restoration-projects
  47. https://www.facebook.com/hindustantimes/posts/nearly-all-major-riverfront-and-biodiversity-projects-developed-by-the-delhi-dev/1220540820111270/
  48. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/parched-reality-as-okhla-sanctuary-dries-up-for-annual-repairs-birds-take-flight-back/articleshow/119441246.cms
  49. https://obs-up.com/location.php
  50. https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Okhla-Bird-Sanctuary/New-Delhi
  51. https://moovitapp.com/index/en/public_transit-Okhla_Bird_Sanctuary-Delhi-stop_35668396-3801
  52. https://assets.magucho.com/company/cb6cc3a0-0f8d-4fc6-a25a-cbc8072b7fdf/asset-docs/okhla-bird-sanctuary---5t-1758191310529.pdf
  53. https://www.hexahome.in/blog/guides/Okhla-Bird-Sanctuary-metro-station/
  54. https://www.milangupta.io/blog/okhla-bird-sanctuary-noida-a-guide/
  55. https://airial.travel/attractions/india/noida/okhla-bird-sanctuary-tJ-qBEu2
  56. https://obs-up.com/facilities-and-tips.php
  57. https://obs-up.com/fee-structure.php
  58. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g644043-d3989911-Reviews-Okhla_Bird_Sanctuary-Noida_Gautam_Buddha_Nagar_District_Uttar_Pradesh.html
  59. https://www.jetir.org/view?paper=JETIR2405101
  60. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/okhla-bird-sanctuarys-eco-tourism-event-disappoints-with-absence-of-water-birds/articleshow/115029376.cms
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