Ecological assessment for eco-tourism development plan: Najafgarh bird sanctuary : Najafgarh Jheel, Delhi-NCR

Abstract

Wetlands play a very vital role in the environment by creating a unique self-sustaining biodiversity with ecological and environmental significance. They have become a part of day to day livelihood resource and the environment of mankind, they have now become a major concern and highlight of works of many scientists, environmentalists, and many NGOs. The introduction of wetland to ecotourism site is a very crucial step as it involves various stakeholders and also an integrated network of various benefiters like the local communities. Ecotourism in a protected area play an important role by establish fruitful and beneficial relationship between the local people the protected area and the biodiversity that it caters to with tourism as a back bone. The delineation of the protected areas require major findings with the help of remote sensing and GIS, this not only helps demarcate a proper boundary but also provides us with essential data of the birds and the health of the wetland and its reach. Nazahgarh jheel is a large shallow water body, which is located in the south western part of Delhi bodering Gurgaon, the majority of the water logged area lies in Gurgaon and the more than a quarter lies in Delhi. It is part of a tributary to River Yamuna in which it widens here to form a lake and then joins Yamuna immediately after the Wazirabad barrage. It is a home to many migratory bird species and bird watcher tourists. The wetland peripheral zones are cultivated during lean times threatening existing bird populations. It is in a brink of being overpowered by many issues such as encroachment, intensive agriculture etc. This project can create awareness to the locals and help them coexist with the birds that have made this Jheel their winter home. The main objectives of this study are to explore and examine the ecological character of the wetland and related bird population. To create a conservation master level planning of the area. To study and apply the patterns of vegetation that provides a safe haven to the birds. Lastly to create a proposal for ecological tourism which helps create an awareness to the people residing near the site. The proposal will include strategies to conserve wetland ecosystem.