Home / Environment / Okhla Sanctuary Faces Ecological Crisis
Okhla Sanctuary Faces Ecological Crisis
15 Jun
Summary
- Birders urge reforms for Okhla Barrage maintenance practices.
- Sanctuary drying during repairs causes ecological stress.
- Proposals include rescheduling maintenance to protect birds.
A collective of birders and environmental stakeholders has proposed critical reforms to the Uttar Pradesh Forest and Irrigation departments regarding the maintenance of the Okhla Barrage. Their primary concern is the ecological damage inflicted upon the nearby Okhla Bird Sanctuary.
The Okhla Bird Sanctuary Conservation Collective, with 78 signatories, highlighted that the periodic draining and complete drying of the sanctuary during barrage repair work cause severe stress to its wetland ecosystem. This ecosystem is vital for over 300 bird species.
Shalini Singh, founder of Ecojeev Life Foundation, urged the departments to revise maintenance policies. She believes repairs can be optimized to reduce ecological impacts on the sanctuary and its inhabitants while still fulfilling the irrigation department's objectives.
Key suggestions include rescheduling maintenance from the typical October-November window to late September-mid-October. This adjustment aims to avoid disrupting the arrival of migratory birds. Additionally, the proposal calls for enhanced protection during the pre-summer and pre-monsoon seasons, crucial for resident bird breeding and migratory departures.
