Gurgaon is home to a few exceptional wetlands that support amazing resident birds and serve as a stopover for migratory birds from far and wide. Developmental activities are, however, playing spoiler, and soon even these exceptionally important biodiversity hotspots will have to give way. The Basai Wetland, which once hosted numerous native and migratory bird species like the Bar-Headed Goose, has now disappeared, swallowed by towering buildings, highways, and flyovers. The future of the remaining major wetland, the Chandu-Budhera Wetland, is doubtful as real estate prices continue to surge. The Sultanpur National Park, a Ramsar-designated site, is also languishing due to the shortage of water resources.
It is indeed surprising how many Greater Flamingos flock to the Chandu Budhera wetland area. The birds can stretch across the wetland as far as the eye can see. By the time Winter is in full swing, the wetland is the favoured winter destination for Bar-headed Geese, including Greylag Geese.
In spite of being a fast-developing urban settlement, Gurgaon continues to attract some of the most exotic migratory birds, including some of the native bird species in India. It is surprising to see the resilience of these bird species that continue to fight back against developmental activities. They inspire resilience in the face of adversity, and they continue to flock at areas that no longer support them. I am surprised to see a large number of birds flocking at the Chandu Budhera wetland area and even the Sultanpur National Park.
Gurgaon is a surprising contradiction in terms of the migratory birds that visit the outskirts of the city even in the face of developmental activities. I am often surprised to spot migratory and native species of birds in an area that is being consumed by developmental activities driven by the need to create residential spaces. How do you explain the presence of Bar-headed Geese in an area that is earmarked for developing apartments and flats? It looks like the administration is ignoring the impact of developmental activities on the ecosystem. One wonders if environmental concerns really factor into the development of spaces to create premium flats for people. How can people in power ignore the fact that ignoring environmental issues can lead to the destruction of the ecosystem?
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