Govt's effort to conserve biodiversity yields results
Lucknow: The UP govt has intensified efforts to conserve and promote biodiversity across the state.
UP now boasts the highest number of dolphins in the country and the number of tigers in the state too has increased from 173 in 2018 to 205 in 2022.
To check illegal turtle poaching besides enforcement, awareness is being raised about the role turtles play in maintaining aquatic ecosystems. Whilenatural habitats are being preserved, dedicated breeding centres have been established in Sarnath and Kukrail. Given that the Ganga is a natural home to many turtle species, focus is being placed on districts along its banks, including Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Hapur, Bijnor, Amroha, and Bulandshahr.
Govt is focusing on planting trees along major rivers and around Amrit Sarovars. Since 2017–18, over 204.65 crore saplings were planted and this year, govt aims to plant another 35 crore. Special plantation along the Ganga is being carried out under the Ganga Van initiative. This year, over 14 crore saplings will be planted along the Ganga, Yamuna, Chambal, Betwa, Ken, Gomti, Chhoti Gandak, Hindon, Rapti, Ramganga and Son rivers.According to the India State of Forest Report 2023, the forest area in UP has grown by 559.19 square kms.
Govt is also protecting wetlands important for biodiversity. The Jatayu Conservation Centre has been set up in Gorakhpur to save vultures, which are natural cleaners of environment and are becoming endangered.
Because the state has nine types of farming climates, it has a wide range of plants and animals.UP has one national park and over 24 wildlife sanctuaries. A state biodiversity board has also been set up. UP is home to 56 types of mammals, 552 species of birds, 47 reptiles, 19 amphibians and 79 types of fish.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, in India, around 97 mammals, 94 bird species and 482 plant species are at risk of extinction. Between 1970 and 2018, the population of wild animals fell by 69%. It is estimated that 5% to 10% of insect species—around 2.5 to five lakh types—disappeared in 150 years. This is a serious environmental crisis because about 75% of crops and 85% of wild plants depend on birds and insects for pollination.
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