As construction progresses for the upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar, plans are underway to establish a dedicated rescue and rehabilitation centre for wildlife affected by the project. This initiative aims to mitigate the impact of the airport’s development on the local fauna, particularly blackbucks and sarus cranes, which were identified as key species in the area.
The centre, slated to begin construction in May and spanning 10 hectares adjacent to the Dhanauri wetland, will feature veterinary hospitals, quarantine zones, and separate enclosures for animals. This facility will provide essential care and support for any wildlife requiring assistance due to the airport’s development.
A biodiversity conservation plan, formulated by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in 2019, highlighted the presence of 258 blackbucks and 76 sarus cranes within the 1,334-hectare area earmarked for the airport’s initial phase and a surrounding 10-25 km radius.
The Indian blackbuck holds a Schedule I listing under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, mandating that any capture or relocation efforts must be conducted with utmost care to minimise trauma. Sarus cranes are classified as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and also receive protection under Schedule I of the same Act, prohibiting their killing, hunting, or capture.
Surveys have also indicated the presence of other wildlife in the acquired land, including nilgai, Indian gazelle, monkeys, golden jackals, and jungle cats.
In a recent development, the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has issued a ₹3.5-crore tender to appoint a construction agency for the rehabilitation-rescue centre. YEIDA’s horticulture department will oversee the project, underscoring the commitment to integrating wildlife conservation with infrastructure development in the region. This move signifies a proactive approach to addressing the ecological concerns associated with large-scale projects.
