Lucknow, March 6 – The Sarus Crane, the tallest flying bird primarily found in the Gangetic plains, which have recently been facing survival threats, are part of a comprehensive plan by the Uttar Pradesh government to conserve them and protect their natural habitats.
The Yogi Adityanath government has outlined a detailed roadmap to establish a "Sarus Circuit" to promote the conservation of the Sarus crane, the state bird of Uttar Pradesh, and to boost eco-tourism.
This circuit will be developed in the wetlands of the Mainpuri and Etawah districts, and will also include wetland areas in Kirthua, Sahas, Kurra Jarawan, Soj, and Saman in Mainpuri, as well as Sarsai Nawar and Parauli Ramayan in Etawah.
In addition to protecting the Sarus crane, eco-tourism activities will also be developed within the Sarus Circuit. The main objective is to promote both Sarus conservation and wetland preservation, while also encouraging local tourism. These projects are being implemented by the Forest Department through the UP Eco-Tourism Development Board.
This initiative is expected to create income opportunities for local communities and encourage people to protect the Sarus bird and wetlands.
The Sarus crane, known as the tallest flying bird in the world, is the state bird of Uttar Pradesh. Its habitat and breeding grounds are mainly found in the wetlands of Mainpuri, Etawah, Etah, and Aligarh.
In view of this, the state government is developing the Sarus Circuit for its conservation.
Under this initiative, the Forest Department, through the UP Eco-Tourism Development Board, is working to conserve shallow water bodies, ponds, and wetlands in the region and make them more suitable habitats for Sarus cranes. At the same time, eco-tourism activities are also being developed in the area.
As part of this development, facilities such as entrance gates, viewpoints, decks, boating spots, butterfly gardens, solar site lighting, interpretation centres, and parking areas will be created within the Sarus Circuit. Additionally, information centres, eco-toilet blocks, interactive signage, food kiosks, and shops selling ODOP products and souvenirs will be established for tourists. These facilities will provide visitors with the opportunity to observe and understand the natural habitat of the Sarus crane.
This initiative by the Yogi government will not only ensure the protection of Sarus cranes and other birds such as grey herons and open-billed storks, but will also strengthen the conservation of wetlands in the region. It will help increase groundwater levels, reduce the impacts of global warming, and contribute to sustainable development.
The development of eco-tourism activities is expected to generate income and employment opportunities for local communities. It will also increase environmental awareness and sensitivity towards nature among both residents and visiting tourists.