Why In The News?

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to provide a detailed status report within four weeks regarding the notification of the Dhanauri Wetland, near the Jewar airport, as a wetland.

About Dhanauri Wetland:

=> Location: Situated in Dhanauri village near Dankaur in Gautam Buddha Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh.

=> River Association: Though primarily a standalone wetland, it forms part of the Yamuna River basin ecosystem.

Features and Uniqueness:

• Home to 217 bird species, including 150 Sarus Cranes, the state bird of Uttar Pradesh.
• Recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.
• During peak migratory seasons (November-March), it hosts up to 50,000 waterfowl.
• Documented by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) for its ecological significance.

About Ramsar Sites:

• A Ramsar Site is a wetland designated for international importance under the Ramsar Convention of 1971, a global treaty for wetland conservation and sustainable use.
• Wetlands chosen as Ramsar sites meet criteria based on their ecological, biodiversity, or cultural significance.

=> State Governments notify wetlands under their jurisdiction for conservation measures.