Why winged visitors don’t feel welcomed anymore at Okhla Bird Sanctuary

Once a bustling haven for migratory birds and a favourite destination for nature enthusiasts, the Okhla Bird Sanctuary has now become a source of frustration for visitors. Spanning approximately four-square kilometres, this sanctuary, celebrated for its biodiversity, now struggles with deteriorating infrastructure. Broken toilets, delayed cart services, and non-functional water dispensers have marred the experience for tourists, leaving many disappointed.

Adding to the woes, reports of visitors being issued fake entry tickets have further tarnished the reputation of the Okhla Bird Sanctuary. Moreover, no receipts are provided despite charges being collected for golf cart travel, leaving visitors frustrated and questioning the management’s transparency

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Situated at the gateway to NOIDA in Uttar Pradesh’s Gautam Budh Nagar district, the sanctuary lies where the Yamuna River enters Uttar Pradesh from Delhi. Recognised as one of the 15 bird sanctuaries in the state, it is home to bird species from thorny scrub, grassland, and wetland habitats, thanks to its strategic location.

The wetland originated with the creation of the Okhla Barrage and was declared a sanctuary by the Uttar Pradesh Government in 1990. It is also listed as one of India’s 466 Important Bird Areas (IBAs).

Despite ongoing issues, the sanctuary continues to draw about 300 visitors daily, including bird watchers, ecologists, and nature enthusiasts, who remain drawn to its ecological treasures

Facilities in disrepair

In a conversation with Patriot, visitor Anurag Sharma, who recently visited the Okhla Bird Sanctuary with his wife, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the state of the sanctuary. Sharma reported that they were left dehydrated as the water dispensers at the sanctuary were non-functional, forcing them to walk nearly three kilometres outside the premises to purchase water bottles

“This is a big cause for concern,” he said, adding that the deplorable condition of the washrooms only compounded their discomfort. “The taps were broken, there was no water to wash hands, and the toilet seats were so dirty and unhygienic that we had to leave the sanctuary without watching any birds at all.”

Another visitor, Anuradha Jain, shared a similar experience, highlighting the lack of basic facilities. Jain said that only one golf cart was operational during her visit, forcing her to walk over three kilometres from Gate 1 to Gate 2 despite feeling unwell.

She also criticised the condition of the washrooms, describing them as “stinky, with broken and dry taps, and filthy toilet seats.” Jain said she was compelled to cut her visit short due to the unhygienic environment.

Adding to the disappointment, Jain noted the absence of birds in the sanctuary. She alleged that the water bodies in the sanctuary were filthy and surrounded by piles of garbage, including used plastic bottles, crisp packets, and other waste.

Corruption and unauthorised activities

According to Pioneers’ Forum activist RK Sharma and other senior activists and birders, Forester Satendra Singh, who has been stationed at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary since 29 June 2019, has overstayed his mandated three-year tenure. Despite a transfer order issued in 2022, Singh continues in his position, allegedly due to inaction by higher authorities.

Activists have also raised concerns about Range Forest Officer (RFO) Amit Gupta, claiming that the extended tenures of both officials have facilitated illicit activities within the sanctuary. “Their prolonged stay raises serious questions about potential malpractices and irregularities,” one activist stated.

Several complaints regarding discrepancies at the sanctuary, including reused tickets, fake handwritten slips, and unauthorised entries, have been lodged by activists and concerned visitors. Sharma has provided extensive evidence, including videos and documentation, to back these claims.

Despite repeated complaints filed on September 13 and October 7, no action has been taken by the authorities. These complaints have been submitted to senior officials, including the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in Noida, Conservator of Forests (CF) in Meerut and Agra, and even the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) in Lucknow.

Calls for accountability

Activists explained that, according to official directives, visitors are charged Rs. 30 for entry (Indian nationals) and Rs. 250 for foreign tourists, with golf cart rides priced at Rs. 20 for one way and Rs. 30 for a round trip. However, it is alleged that staff routinely bypass the official ticketing system by reusing old tickets, issuing fake handwritten receipts, or avoiding ticket issuance entirely

Following complaints, a printed chart of golf cart fares was pasted on the front glass of the carts, stating ‘One Way – Rs. 20’ and ‘Two Way – Rs. 30’, but this did little to address the issue.

The funds collected, according to sources, are reportedly divided among temporary staff and senior officials. According to Sharma, reports indicate that RFO Gupta demands a daily share of Rs. 500 on weekdays (Monday to Friday) and Rs. 2,000 on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from the illegal income generated through golf cart fares. The remaining funds are allegedly distributed among drivers, other involved staff, and their family members. Additionally, an extra daily amount from entry fees is purportedly collected by Satendra Singh, alongside other staff members and temporary staff stationed at Gate No 1, Sharma claimed.

“This not only undermines the sanctuary’s operations but also raises serious concerns about wildlife welfare and safety, as the management appears more focused on personal gain than conservation,” activists alleged.

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As per Patriot’s queries to ecologist, ornithologist and conservationist TK Roy with reference to the copy of Pioneers’ Forum’s complaints to the DFO, Noida and the UP forest and wildlife department, Roy said he had visited the sanctuary in September and October and found that the natural habitat of the migratory birds had deteriorated to an unprecedented degree. “I have been visiting the sanctuary since 1998 and have served as Okhla bird sanctuary’s field surveyor for 10 years. However, I have never seen visitors venturing inside without tickets and in golf carts. I was really surprised. No wonder, the habitat has degraded to such a degree,” he said.

Roy visited the sanctuary on November 24 morning to watch the arrival of winter migratory birds. He noted at least five different species on the western and eastern edges of the park. When he tried to move closer towards the eastern edge, he was stopped by three security personnel despite having a valid ticket. The noted ornithologist alleges he was assaulted by the personnel, following which he called the 112 helpline, and soon enough, a police team reached the spot and rescued him. He says he lodged a formal complaint with the DFO, Pramod Kumar Srivastav, Gautam Budh Nagar Forest Division, but has not received any response regarding the complaint yet.

In response to these allegations, concerned authorities denied any incidents of fake ticketing within the sanctuary. “These are baseless accusations intended to tarnish the reputation of the OBS,” they stated, while also noting that a formal investigation into the matter would be initiated.