Disturbing Development!

Should the price of development be the destruction of the wild spaces? The authors discuss this important detail and urge understanding and recognition of the fact.

Development has become the hallmark of human progress, and every year we see new projects aimed at transforming our landscape. However, what we often forget is that this progress comes at a cost. Many of our development projects are causing irreparable harm to the natural world, leading to the extinction of species that have been on this planet for millions of years.

A recent visit to Khyamai wetland in Aligarh (27°59'25.46"N 77°56'23.84"E), Uttar Pradesh, highlights the devastating impact of human development on ecosystems. According to sources, the wetland was once a thriving habitat for thousands of migratory birds until 2019 when the government of Uttar Pradesh decided to develop the wetland for human use. The wetland was converted into a massive water tank, complete with raised bunds and a concrete gate.

While the development was aimed at groundwater recharge, it has had a catastrophic effect on the ecosystem. The depth of the tank was made up to 10 feet deep, which is not ideal for migratory water bird species that prefer shallow water. The traditional wetland was full of plants and macrophytes that serve as food, shelter, and habitat for the birds. These macrophytes also act as a filter for the water, removing toxins before letting it seep into the ground.