Bird count declines at Basai wetland; activists demand action

Bird watchers in Gurgaon held a walk at Basai wetland on Sunday to raise awareness about the declining bird population in the area. They urged the Haryana government to take action to conserve the wetland, which has suffered from drying out and construction over the years. About 20 participants carried placards to emphasize their message. Basai wetland is recognized as a key birding spot by Birdlife International. It was once home to around 295 species of birds, including many migratory ones. However, birders report that the numbers have dropped significantly. Selvarajan, chairperson of Green Circle, stated that heavy construction near the Dwarka Expressway has harmed the local ecosystem. The wetlands serve important environmental functions, such as supporting birdlife and recharging groundwater. Selvarajan warned that without intervention, Basai could be turned into a concrete jungle. He noted the decline of birds like bar-headed geese and lesser flamingos, which once thrived in the area. In the past, Basai was a vibrant mix of fields and marshes, connected to Sultanpur National Park. A previously treated sewage water supply helped maintain a 600-acre lake at the heart of the wetland. However, this source was lost when a new sewage treatment plant was built in 2017. As a result, the lake dried up, and birds moved to other areas. Experts highlight that Basai lacks legal protection as a wetland, making it vulnerable to development. In 2017, the Delhi Bird Foundation attempted to get the area declared a wetland, but the local government dismissed the wetland's significance. Environmentalist Vaishali Rana expressed concern over the ongoing threats to natural habitats without legal safeguards. Civic officials were unavailable for comment as of Monday night.