Haiderpur Wetland

Haiderpur wetland is a part of the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the largest man-made wetlands that formed in 1984. This wetland has a core area of 1200 acres and stretches across 3000 acres.

Haiderpur wetland in Uttar Pradesh has been recognised as the 47th Ramsar site in India. To know more about other Ramsar sites in the country, check the linked article.

This wetland helps support livelihood, flood control, store water and purify it. Not only that, Haiderpur Wetland is home to numerous animal and plant species, which includes more than 30 species of plants, more than 40 types of fishes, over 300 species of birds, including 102 home birds.

This article will discuss the key facts and significance of the Haiderpur Wetland in the context of the IAS Exam.

The candidates can go through the relevant topics useful for their upcoming exams from the links provided below:

Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhitarkanika National Park

Corbett National Park

Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary

Ranthambore National Park

Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary

Location of Haiderpur Wetland

This wetland is fed by the Ganges and the smaller Saloni river, which originates at the Himalayan foothills. It is located in Bijnor and Muzaffarnagar districts in Uttar Pradesh.

Latest Updates on Haiderpur Wetland

  • The wetland of western Uttar Pradesh has been recognised as the 47th Ramsar site in the country recently. Furthermore, it is recognised as the 10th Ramsar in Uttar Pradesh and 2463rd globally. This news was confirmed by the ministry of environment, forest and climate change.
  • In 2020, the first Haiderpur Bird Festival was celebrated on February 2nd and 3rd.
  • Asad Rahmani, former head of BNHS, has given recognition to this wetland as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area in his book called Rahmani’s book.
  • Loya, WWF and the forest department participated in Salim Ali Bird Count on November 11 and 12, 2020. This is an initiative where birdwatchers around the country take part in counting birds at any water body or important bird areas. In 2020, around 27,000 birds were witnessed.

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Significance of the Haiderpur Wetland

  • Haiderpur Wetland is home to many birds. These birds were attracted to the landscape present around the two rivers’ meeting point. However, after the Bijnor Barrage’s construction in 1984, the wetland took shape upstream of the barrage. Due to this, it is not clearly visible.
  • The wetland is home to different species of birds and endangered animals. This includes the critically endangered Gharial and the endangered hog deer.
  • It also provides shelter to black-bellied terns, Indian skimmer and gold mahseer.
  • It serves as a breeding ground for the endangered Indian grassbird.
  • During the seasonal flood-driven migration of the Swamp deer, this wetland provides it refuge.
  • This site also provides refuge to more than 1% of the bar-headed goose and greylag goose population.
  • This site also provides livelihood to the local communities.
  • It contributes to hazard reduction and maintenance of hydrological regimes.
  • Haiderpur Wetland is also a great spot for tourists and is used for scientific and educational activities.

Threats to Haiderpur Wetland

  • Haiderpur Wetland shares its borders with eight villages in Uttar Pradesh. 2 villages are in Bijnor district and 6 villages are in Muzaffarnagar district. A few villages nearby have its access too.
  • This wetland has remained better because it was lesser known among the common mass. However, this wetland was used for fishing purposes.
  • After installing the forest chowki, illegal fishing activities from the surrounding villages have decreased. The higher authorities fear that this wetland might turn into a picnic spot. Tourists would throw plastic and polythene and hamper this wetland’s health.
  • Another threat to the wetland is the Ipomea weed. It can choke this wetland. Since this wetland comes from river Solani and receives waste from the villages on its bank, water hyacinth is also a problem.

Hopefully, this article which has discussed Haiderpur Wetlands will help UPSC aspirants.

The topic has a high probability of being asked as a Current Affairs Question in IAS Prelims. Visit the attached link to attempt practice quizzes on current affairs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Haiderpur Wetland

Q1

How many Ramsar sites are there in India?

There are 49 Ramsar sites in India.

Q2

Which is India’s largest wetland?

The Sunderbans in West Bengal is the largest wetland of India.

Q3

How many wetlands are there in Uttar Pradesh?

Presently, 10 wetlands are there in Uttar Pradesh.

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