Haiderpur Wetland
Conserving India's 47th Ramsar Site through community action, education, and ecotourism.
A Living Ecosystem on the Ganga
Haiderpur Wetland, located near the Ganga Barrage in Uttar Pradesh, was designated as India's 47th Ramsar Site, recognising its international importance as a wetland ecosystem. A wetland is an area where water covers the soil for extended periods — a marsh, swamp, or floodplain — and these ecosystems are critical for maintaining natural balance.
Wetlands reduce flooding and drought, naturally filter and improve water quality, and combat climate change by storing carbon. Haiderpur is home to over 333 bird species, including rare and migratory birds, as well as the Ganges River Dolphin, Swamp Deer, and Indian Otter.
The Art of Living, through IAHV (International Association for Human Values), leads conservation work at the wetland, combining hands-on ecological protection with community empowerment and ecotourism development.
Community Impact
Haiderpur at a Glance
What We Do at Haiderpur
The team at Haiderpur implements conservation projects in partnership with national and international NGOs, the UP Forest Department, and government agencies. Key initiatives include:
Conservation of Haiderpur Wetland (IAHV Project)
The primary programme that coordinates all conservation activity at the site, from habitat protection to community engagement and monitoring.
Indian Skimmer Nest Guardian Project
Protection of nesting sites for the Indian Skimmer, a near-threatened bird species that breeds at the wetland.
Asian Waterbird Census and Citizen Science
Annual bird counts and citizen science initiatives that contribute to national and international waterbird monitoring data. The latest checklists are maintained on eBird.
Tree Plantation Drives
Joint plantation drives with the UP Forest Department to restore and expand green cover around the wetland boundary.
Clean-up Drives
Regular wetland clean-up efforts involving local communities and volunteers.
Bird Festivals
Annual events that raise awareness, attract visitors, and build local pride in the wetland's biodiversity.
Sarus Bird Count
Participation in the UP Forest Department's annual census of the Sarus Crane, the world's tallest flying bird and the state bird of Uttar Pradesh.
Champions of Conservation
The Art of Living's programmes have trained local village youth as skilled bird guides, conservation workers, and ecotourism facilitators. These young people now earn livelihoods from the wetland while protecting it.
Ashish Gujjar
Bird Guide
Yudish
Bird Guide
Shubham
Team Member
Mansi Kashyap
Team Member
Saloni
Team MemberVisit Haiderpur Wetland
Haiderpur Wetland offers birdwatching, Ganges River Dolphin safaris, cycling along nature trails, yoga and meditation sessions, wildlife photography, and educational tours. The wetland has purpose-built ecotourism facilities including 3 watchtowers, 10 viewing huts, 15 km of nature trails, and a 4 km cycle track.
Activities available
Facilities
How to get there
Approximately 165 km from Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport) — about 3-4 hours by road.
Approximately 123 km from Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun — also about 3-4 hours by car.
Nearby attractions: Hastinapur, Shukartaal, Amangarh Tiger Reserve, Hastinapur Bhikund Wetland.
To plan your visit, contact: Ashish Gujjar — +91 6395437851
General inquiries: contact@haiderpurwetland.in
WhatsApp: +91 7017144714
Wildlife of Haiderpur
A glimpse of the species recorded at Haiderpur — each placeholder below is captioned with the exact bird name so the dev team can source the matching photo from haiderpurwetland.in.
Migratory Birds
Resident Birds
What Visitors Say
"My first visit to Haiderpur Wetland was an unforgettable experience. The sheer variety of birds was incredible, and spotting species like the Indian Skimmer was a highlight."
Subodh Bhargav
"The guides were friendly and knowledgeable, making the tour even more engaging. The wetland's serene beauty and rich biodiversity make it a must-visit for any nature lover."
Ishita
"My visit to Haiderpur Wetland was amazing. The peaceful surroundings and variety of wildlife were wonderful to see. I highly recommend it for nature lovers."
Sarvesh Kashyap
Protect a Ramsar Site. Support a Community.
Your contribution funds conservation work, youth training, and ecosystem protection at one of India's most important wetland sites.
All donations are eligible for tax exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.