UP PCS Mains-2024

Approach Start by describing the importance of wetlands. Discuss the major wetlands of Uttar Pradesh. Conclude accordingly.

Introduction

Wetlands are defined as the lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic eco-systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water.

Body

Importance of wetlands in conserving the environment and water:

• Wetlands are highly productive ecosystems that provide the world with nearly two-thirds of its fish harvest.
• Wetlands play an integral role in the ecology of the watershed. The combination of shallow water and high levels of nutrients is ideal for the development of organisms that form the base of the food web and feed many species of fish, amphibians, shellfish and insects.
• Wetlands store carbon within their plant communities and soil instead of releasing it to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.
• Wetland vegetation slows the speed of flood waters, lowering flood heights and reduces soil erosion.
• Wetlands are a vital source for food, raw materials and genetic resources for medicines.
• Many wetlands are areas of natural beauty and promote tourism.

Major wetlands of Uttar Pradesh:

• Upper Ganga River (Brijghat to Narora Stretch): The river provides habitat for IUCN Red listed Ganges River Dolphin, Gharial, Crocodile, turtles, and more than hundred species of birds. Major plant species, some of which have high medicinal values, include Dalbergia sissoo, Saraca indica etc.
• Nawabganj Sanctuary: It is located in Unnao District in Uttar Pradesh. The sanctuary becomes a wintering ground for migratory birds like Garganey Teal, Mallard etc.
• Sandi Bird Sanctuary: It is a freshwater marsh in the Hardoi district. Rich in aquatic plants, the site provides a productive habitat for waterfowl with over 40,000 individuals counted in 2018.
• Samaspur Bird Sanctuary: It is situated in Rae Bareli district. Some of the migratory birds come here include Greleg Googe, Pin Tail etc.
• Saman Bird Sanctuary: It is in the Mainpuri district of Uttar Pradesh. It is a seasonal oxbow lake on the Ganges floodplain. The Sanctuary regularly provides refuge to over 50,000 waterbirds and is particularly important as a wintering site for many migrants including the Greylag Goose.
• Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary: It is a permanent freshwater environment consisting of two oxbow lakes. It is a refuge for some of India’s threatened vulture species: the critically endangered white-rumped vulture and Indian vulture and the endangered Egyptian vulture have all been recorded.
• Sarsai Nawar Jheel: It is a permanent marsh in the Etawah district of Uttar Pradesh. A particular beneficiary of this lakr is the vulnerable Sarus Crane. Other threatened species present include the critically endangered White-rumped Vulture.
• Sur Sarovar: It is also known as Keetham Lake. It is a human-made reservoir; originally created to supply water to the city of Agra in summer, the wetland soon became an important and rich ecosystem. The Site is important for bird species which migrate on the Central Asian flyway.
• Haiderpur Wetland: It is located near the Bijnor Ganga Barrage within the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh.
• Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary: This freshwater marsh in the Sant Kabir Nagar district is the largest natural floodplain wetland of eastern Uttar Pradesh. The Sanctuary was established in 1980 and is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act (1972).

Conclusion

The conservation of wetlands is important to promote sustainable development. Therefore, its management should be integrated with the development plans of the state.