UP PCS Mains-2024

Approach Briefly describe what biodiversity is. Explain the biodiversity conservation policies of Uttar Pradesh. Mention the major Wildlife Sanctuaries of Uttar Pradesh. Conclude with the way forward

Introduction

Biodiversity encompasses the variety of all life on Earth including terrestrial, marine, and aquatic ecosystems. It includes diversity at three levels: Genetic Diversity (within species), Species Diversity (among species), and Ecosystem Diversity (between ecosystems).

Uttar Pradesh has rich flora and fauna. According to the ISFR 2023, the state's green cover is now 9.96% of its total geographical area. It has one National Park and 24 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 10 Ramsar sites contributing to its rich biological diversity.

Body

Actions Taken by the Uttar Pradesh Government for the Biodiversity Conservation:

• Uttar Pradesh Biodiversity Board was established in 2006 under the Biological Diversity Act 2002, to provide conservation of biological diversity and sustainable use of its components.
• Gram Panchayat Biodiversity Management Committees have been empowered to ensure the conservation and documentation of bio-resources.
• In-situ Conservation:
  • National Park: Dudhwa National Park which falls under the sub-Himalayan region, known as Tarai Belt, is among the protected areas of the State.
  • Wildlife Sanctuaries: 24 wildlife sancturies Hastinapur Sanctuary, Kishanpur Sanctuary, and National Chambal Sanctuaries, etc. are located in Uttar Pradesh.
  • Tiger Reserve: Uttar Pradesh has four Tiger Reserves: Dudhwa, Ranipur, Amangarh, and Pilibhit..
• Ex-situ Conservation: The Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMA) has set up a DNA Bank of 128 medicinal plants in Lucknow. Seed Banks, Zoological parks, Botanical Garden, Elephant Conservation & Care Center and Zoological Parks are located in the state.
• Bio-diversity Parks: A mega project to set up Bio-diversity Parks in Uttar Pradesh has been approved by the Central Government. These are Mohanpur Biodiversity Park in Mirzapur, Ramghat Biodiversity Park in Bulandshahr, Alamgirpur Biodiversity Park in Hapur etc.
• State Forest Policy: Uttar Pradesh announced its Forest Policy in 2017 to improve the existing natural and planted forests through conservation, development, and scientific and thoughtful management. The total forest area is 6.98 percent of the total area of the state.
• Wetlands: There are ten Ramsar Sites designated in Uttar Pradesh such as the Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, Sur Sarovar, Sarsai Nawar Jheel etc.

Major Wildlife Sanctuaries of Uttar Pradesh :

• Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary: It is situated in the Chandauli district of Uttar Pradesh and is part of the Kashi Wildlife Division. It is named after the Chandraprabha River. The fauna here includes Leopard, Hyena, Fox, Sloth Bear, Chinkara/Cheetal, Jackal, etc.
• Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary: It is located in the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh. It was established to protect the Gharial population.
• Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary: It is situated in the Varanasi district. The important species found in the sanctuary are Indian Softshell Turtle and Three-striped Roofed Turtle.
• Bakhira Bird Sanctuary: It is located in the Sant Kabir Nagar district and constitutes the Bakhira Lake. It provides a wintering ground for over 25 species which migrate on the Central Asian Flyway. It was declared a Ramsar site in 2021.
• Mahaveer Swami Wildlife Sanctuary: It is located at the distance of 125 km from Jhansi. This sanctuary comprises of teak trees and is also known as the “last teak wood forest” in the south-west region of Uttar Pradesh.

Conclusion

Biodiversity is essential for human survival and well-being. It forms the core of all development actions since it provides food, fodder, medicines, water, clean air, and other goods and services. Hence, the Uttar Pradesh government must bring a separate State Biodiversity Conservation Policy to increase the pace of conservation measures.