Noida’s Okhla Bird Sanctuary, once a thriving stop on the East Asian Flyway, is battling for survival.

Uncontrolled urbanisation, illegal construction, and rampant tree felling have severely degraded its delicate ecosystems, leading to a sharp decline in bird populations.

In 2005, Wing Commander Vijay K Sethi was mesmerised by flocks of ducks, gulls, and flamingos crowding the sanctuary’s reservoir. Today, the scene is starkly different, with morning walkers, couples, and social media reel-makers outnumbering dedicated birdwatchers.

Environmentalist Anand Arya highlights the misplaced focus on visitor comfort over avian welfare, lamenting that the sanctuary feels more like a hangout for "lovebirds" than a haven for actual birds.

Despite court orders aimed at protecting the sanctuary, enforcement remains lax, and bureaucratic neglect persists. This green lung of Gautam Buddha Nagar risks becoming a mere recreational park unless urgent conservation measures are implemented to restore habitats and prioritise biodiversity over human convenience.