The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has approved the development of an animal rescue and rehabilitation centre close to the upcoming Noida International Airport.
With an investment of ₹3.42 crore, the initiative aims to shield native wildlife and preserve the fragile biodiversity of the area affected by rapid urbanisation. The centre is slated to be constructed near the Dhanauri wetland, a vital ecological zone within the catchment area of the greenfield airport project. The proposed facility is designed to house and rehabilitate various species of animals and birds that may be displaced due to ongoing construction activities around the airport corridor. Officials associated with the project have confirmed that a global tender has been floated to identify a competent agency to oversee the design, development, and long-term management of the centre. The selected entity will be responsible not only for executing the physical infrastructure but also for ensuring that the rescued wildlife receives adequate medical care, temporary shelter, and a chance at eventual reintegration into natural habitats.
Once conceptualised as a temporary centre with a short-term lease, the project has now been revised to operate for a 30-year tenure, underlining a deeper institutional commitment to ecological welfare. This extension is expected to ensure long-term monitoring and support for wildlife conservation efforts in and around the Noida International Airport zone. The move comes amid heightened environmental scrutiny of large-scale infrastructure projects and is seen as a proactive measure to mitigate ecological disruptions. Experts from leading wildlife institutions have advised that such a facility be included as part of a broader biodiversity conservation strategy. Their recommendations include close monitoring of animal movements, preservation of migration corridors, and development of green buffer zones to minimise human-wildlife conflict.
The first phase of the airport project spans over 1,300 hectares, covering six villages along the Yamuna Expressway. The region is home to diverse fauna including nilgai, blackbuck, golden jackals, Indian gazelles, monkeys, jungle cats, and a variety of bird species like sarus cranes. Rapid construction threatens to fragment these habitats, making it critical to have support systems in place for displaced wildlife. The proposed rescue centre is expected to serve as both a treatment facility and a transitional space where animals can recover from injuries or habitat loss. It will also function as a monitoring post to study the impact of infrastructure development on local biodiversity and enable data-driven conservation efforts in the future.
Environmental advocates and conservation planners have welcomed the development as a model intervention that aligns infrastructure development with ecological safeguards. The effort also signals a shift towards more climate-conscious planning, integrating sustainability into urban growth frameworks. While the airport project is envisioned to be a key driver of economic activity and connectivity in Uttar Pradesh, the integration of biodiversity-focused measures reflects a growing recognition that development must not come at the cost of ecological degradation. With this initiative, YEIDA is setting a precedent for balancing growth with responsibility — a move that could inspire similar actions in other greenfield and brownfield urban infrastructure projects across India.
As the Noida International Airport inches closer to its operational timeline, the establishment of this animal rescue and rehabilitation facility will play a pivotal role in shaping how the region handles the dual challenge of growth and environmental sustainability. The success of this effort will depend on robust implementation, transparent monitoring, and continuous engagement with ecological experts.
YEIDA Approves Wildlife Rehab Facility to Safeguard Biodiversity Near Noida Airport
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