Okhla Bird Sanctuary to Get Major Revamp by December

Saurabh Tankha

Bird enthusiasts in and around Noida have reason to rejoice. By December 2026, the Okhla Bird Sanctuary will feature a completely redeveloped setup including a state-of-the-art interpretation centre, nature club, nature trails, CCTV control centre, digital library, bird guides, and other essential amenities. The sanctuary will become more visitor-friendly and serve as a hub for bird education, research, and eco-tourism.

The redevelopment plan includes budgets for cameras, additional gates, a library, washrooms, drinking water facilities, parking, and electric vehicles.

Foundation Laid on World Forest Day

On World Forest Day (March 21), the foundation stone for the redevelopment was laid by Union Minister of Science & Technology, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr Harsh Vardhan and Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Dr Mahesh Sharma, MP of Gautam Budh Nagar.

This initiative aims to boost bird conservation, education, and eco-tourism in the region.

Sanctuary Overview

• Area: 512 hectares (400 hectares in UP, 120 hectares in Delhi)
• Significance: Notified environment-sensitive area
• Bird Species: Hosts over 300 species including rare and endangered birds such as:
  • Greylag Goose, Bar-headed Goose, Common Teal
  • Gadwal, Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Shoveler
  • Common Coot, Northern Pintail, Tufted Duck
  • Green Bee-eater, Spot-billed Duck, Grey Heron
  • Greater Coucal, Indian Cormorant, Black-winged Stilt
  • Koel, Cattle Egret, Little Egret

The sanctuary is one of 467 notable bird sanctuaries in India, making it a hotspot for avian lovers and bird photographers. A bird photography exhibition was also hosted to mark the redevelopment.

Key Redevelopment Features

The redevelopment plan will include:

• Interpretation Centre for educational purposes
• Watch Towers and cycle tracks for enhanced visitor experience
• Digital library and bird guides for researchers
• Improved water body ecology to support wildlife
• CCTV network for security
• Souvenir shop, parking facility, and drinking water stations
• Yoga and meditation centre for visitors
• Electric vehicles to reduce environmental impact

Government Support & Project Budget

Previously, Noida Authority could not fund the redevelopment. Now, the Union Government is providing support, with an estimated budget of Rs 25 crore for the project.

Dr Harsh Vardhan emphasized that the sanctuary will become a world-class tourist destination, attracting visitors from across India and abroad. Dr Mahesh Sharma added that it will also be an attractive location for film shoots and eco-tourism activities.

Call to Action

Bird lovers, nature enthusiasts, and eco-tourists can look forward to visiting the newly redeveloped Okhla Bird Sanctuary by December 2026, experiencing an enriched environment for birdwatching, photography, research, and recreation.