Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Anand Arya Vs Union of India & Others dated 20/11/2023.

The matter related to protection of Dhanauri Wetlands in Greater Noida, Gautam Budh Nagar.

NGT directed the state of Uttar Pradesh to place on record a detailed map clearly depicting the water spread area, catchment/zone of influence area of the Dhanauri wetland as mapped in the National Inventory of Wetlands.

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The NGT noted that the Yamuna Express Industrial Development Authority plans to demarcate the Dhanauri Wetland in terms of the Draft Master Plan, 2041 - wherein the area appear to be less than the area of Dhanauri wetland in terms of the National Inventory of Wetlands. Uttar Pradesh seeks time to clarify the same. There is no dispute that the area of wetland which has already been mapped in the Atlas cannot be reduced.

Counsel for the applicant, during the course of arguments, produced emails dated August 30, 2022 referring to the earlier emails as well as the mail of October 17, 2023 sent by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in connection with request for declaring Dhanauri Wetland as Ramsar site and Sarus sanctuary. The email reflects that inspite of the request by the MoEF&CC, the requisite response has not been submitted by the said authorities. Uttar Pradesh has been asked to clarify the action taken/response by the authorities to the emails. The status report has to be filed within four weeks.