Unregulated waste discharge linked to tree decline in Surajpur wetland

Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil all or part of the time. The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Department recently collected waste samples from an industrial unit near the Surajpur wetland. This was after claims that hundreds of trees in a 20-acre area of the wetland were disappeared due to waste discharge.

Inland wetlands include places like marshes, ponds, lakes, rivers, and swamps. Coastal wetlands include saltwater marshes, estuaries, mangroves, lagoons, and coral reefs. Some wetlands, like fish ponds, rice paddies, and saltpans, are made by humans.

According to media reports, untreated industrial waste has killed more than a dozen trees in the Surajpur wetland. The wetland is a haven for over 180 bird species from Asia and Europe during migration season. Wetlands are home to a wide variety of plants and animals. However, biodiversity is decreasing globally, and wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests.

The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Department (UPPCB) collected samples of untreated waste from an industrial unit next to the wetland in January 2024. Locals say they have seen the canopy thin, branches dry, and trees die on the east bank over the last four years due to chemical discharge into the waterbody

Some say the place has improved in the past few years. Others say the jungle seems to have grown denser, the water level increased, but there aren't many migratory birds this year.

Surajpur Wetland faces industrial pollution

Environmentalist Vikrant Tongad has pointed out that around 100 industrial units near the Surajpur wetland are discharging untreated water into it. Already, this has resulted in the loss of dozens of trees, and it will destroy more if it continues. The water near the Yamaha boundary wall has even turned black. Tongad has written to Union Minister Bhupender Yadav about the tree destruction at the Surajpur wetland.

The Surajpur wetland, spread over 308 hectares with a 60-hectare lake, is the city’s largest reserve forest and a major birdwatching spot. It’s one of three key locations, along with the Okhla Bird Sanctuary and Dhanauri wetland.

Another environmentalist, Pranab J Patar, emphasized that Surajpur is a wetland of great ecological significance and a crucial habitat for both local and migratory birds. We should protect the designated wetland from disturbances that can harm its ecosystem and deprive wildlife of a healthy habitat. Given its location in an industrial area, authorities need to ensure the water quality remains free from pollutants and sewage.

Surajpur Wetland: Ecological site facing pollution

Surajpur Wetland is a significant ecological site located in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. It spans over 308 hectares, including a 60-hectare lake. This wetland is part of the reserve forest area in the Gautam Budh Nagar district. It’s an excellent example of an urban wetland in the Yamuna River basin.

However, the wetland has been facing pollution issues. Around 100 industrial units near the wetland have been discharging untreated waste into it. This has led to the destruction of trees and potential harm to the biodiversity. The water near the Yamaha boundary wall has even turned black.

The wetland is home to a diverse range of species. There are 186 species of birds from 44 families. As of a recent report, there are 35 species of water birds with a total population of 1,920. This includes seven species of threatened birds.

Efforts are being made to address these issues and conserve this vital ecosystem. However, the situation underscores the need for sustainable practices and stringent pollution control measures. The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Department has collected samples of the untreated waste from an industrial unit located adjacent to the wetland.

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