Gurgaon is an anathema, a conundrum and an oxymoron in terms of how it has been and where it is going. It was once a slumbering little town that suddenly shook itself and launched itself into the twenty-first century. The setting up of the Maruti factory gave the town a global identity. However, with development came other problems like overcrowded roads with traffic jams becoming the norm. Disappearing greenery, wetlands, streams and ponds, destruction of bunds meant to protect the town from flooding, and garbage management issues have become serious problems. But then, there are still areas in Gurgaon that have managed to preserve nature, though how long these will survive before the realtor's roving eyes fall on them is something that can only be guessed. The apathy of the administration towards the protection of wildlife and the ecosystem of the town has lead to serious complications.
It is, however, most surprising that Gurgaon continues to have pockets of untouched oases of wildlife that can spring pleasant surprises. The Basai Wetland continues to support a vibrant avian population of different species of resident as well as migrant ones. One can spend hours simply looking at the different birds.
So, whether it is highrise buildings or even a Heron with a fish in its beak; a dragonfly drying off the dew on its wings in the morning sun, or perhaps even Swallows fighting for space on a narrow bamboo pole, Gurgaon has them all! Unfortunately, the need for building space along with a burgeoning population has had an impact on these oases of nature. One can't help but wonder if these beautiful birds will be present a few years from now!
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