CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: This November, Bijnor district marks a historic milestone – its 200th anniversary – with the grand Bijnor Mahotsav on November 8th, 9th, and 10th, 2024. Bringing together people from across the world with ties to Bijnor, the event will not only celebrate the district’s vibrant cultural heritage but also spotlight the Haiderpur Wetland, an ecological gem now recognised as a Ramsar site of global importance. This recognition is thanks in large part to Ashish Loya, an Art of Living faculty member inspired by world revered humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. His dedication to Haiderpur has brought crucial awareness to its unique biodiversity, securing its place on the global conservation map.

A Call to Protect

For many years The Art of Living social Projects has been at the forefront of environmental restoration and community-led conservation efforts across India, empowering local communities to protect and cherish natural wonders like Haiderpur. Guided by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s belief that, “People should be encouraged to treat the planet as sacred, to treat trees and rivers as sacred, to treat people as sacred, and to see God in nature and in people,” the organisation continues to inspire a deep-rooted respect for nature and lasting environmental care.

The Hidden Jewel of Haiderpur Wetland Unveiled

Tucked away in Uttar Pradesh’s Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, Haiderpur Wetland covers an impressive 6,900 hectares. This wetland, formed in 1984 after the construction of the Madhya Ganga Barrage, remained in obscurity for decades, its ecological importance largely overlooked. However, this unassuming landscape holds immense biodiversity, supporting a variety of habitats, including rivers, marshes, grasslands, and forests. It is home to an astonishing range of wildlife, from otters, jungle cats, and swamp deer to the elusive Gangetic dolphins. For bird lovers, Haiderpur Wetland is a paradise, with over 327 bird species, including endangered species like the Indian Skimmer and the Sarus Crane.

Despite its rich natural diversity, the wetland was once considered a wasteland. It wasn’t until The Art of Living Social Projects and its dedicated environmentalists intervened in 2013 that the true value of Haiderpur was brought to light.

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