Context:

The Government of Uttar Pradesh is actively working towards the conservation of biodiversity, and the positive results of these efforts are now visible.

Key Points:

• As per recent survey reports, Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of river dolphins in India. The tiger population in the state has also increased from 173 in 2018 to 205 in 2022.

Highest River Dolphin Count:

Survey Statistics:

• For the first time in Indian history, a detailed river dolphin survey was conducted across 28 rivers, which found a total of 6,327 dolphins nationwide.
• Out of these, 2,397 dolphins were recorded in Uttar Pradesh alone, accounting for approximately 40% of the total.
• The data was presented during a meeting of the National Board for Wildlife, chaired by the Prime Minister. The ranking was:

• • Uttar Pradesh (2,397)
  • Bihar (2,220)
  • West Bengal (815)
  • Assam (635)

Dolphin Species & Distribution:

• The most common are Gangetic River Dolphins, mainly found in the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Ghaghara, Tapheli, Rapti, and Garua.
• On 17 October 2023, the Uttar Pradesh government declared the Gangetic Dolphin as the State Aquatic Animal, strengthening the legal framework for conservation.

Conservation Projects:

• Project Dolphin (2021): Launched by the Government of India to conserve both river and marine dolphin species through:
  • Monitoring habitats
  • Rescue and rehabilitation strategies
  • Awareness among fishing communities

Increase in Tiger Population:

Basic Figures:

• In 2018, there were 173 tigers in UP; this increased to 205 in 2022, an 18.49% rise in four years.
• At the national level, Uttar Pradesh now ranks 8th, contributing 205 tigers to the Shivalik landscape’s total of 819 tigers, which includes UP, Bihar, and Uttarakhand.

Key Protected Areas & Tiger Reserves:

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve:

• Tiger count increased from 82 in 2018 to 135 in 2022 within the reserve.
• In surrounding areas, the count increased from 107 (2018) to 153 (2022).
• Dudhwa Reserve also received the international “TX2” award, for doubling tiger population from 109 in 2006 to 205 in 2022.
• Other contributing reserves include Amarkantak, Rupanpur, and Kalinjar.

Conservation Projects:

• Project Tiger (1973): Launched by the Government of India, under which 58 tiger reserves have been established.
• By 2023, India had 3,682 tigers, of which 205 were in UP.

National Comparison & Impact:

• Between 2018 and 2022, India’s total tiger population increased from 2,967 to 3,682 (~6% annual growth).
• UP’s growth of 18.49% is significantly higher than the national average.
• Other state performances:

• • Uttarakhand: from 442 to 560 tigers (26.7% growth)
  • Bihar: from 31 to 54 tigers (74% growth)
• These statistics reflect effective conservation efforts across the Shivalik-Gangetic plains region.

Turtle Conservation Efforts:

• The Uttar Pradesh government is actively working to curb the illegal trade and hunting of turtles, which are considered spiritually and ecologically significant ancient creatures.
• Public awareness campaigns are being run regarding the importance of biodiversity.
• The state has launched a Turtle Conservation Scheme, including:

• • Protection of natural turtle habitats
  • Establishment of breeding centers in Sarnath and Kukrail
  • Special focus on districts along the Ganga River such as Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Hapur, Bijnor, Amroha, and Bulandshahr, as the Ganga is a natural habitat for turtles.

Afforestation and Green Zone Expansion:

• The state government focuses on afforestation along major rivers and Amrit Sarovars (sacred water bodies).
• From 2017-18 to 2024-25, the state has planted 204.65 crore saplings.
• Target for this year: 35 crore more saplings.
• “Ganga Van” (Ganga Forest) initiative already underway along the river.
• More than 14 crore saplings are planned along the banks of rivers like:

• • Ganga, Yamuna, Chambal, Betwa, Ken, Gomti, Chhoti Gandak, Hindon, Rapti, Ramganga, and Son.

Increase in Green Cover:

• As per India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, Uttar Pradesh's forest area has increased by 559.19 sq. km.
• The government aims to increase green cover to 20% by 2030.

Wetland Protection and Natural Farming:

• Wetlands are being conserved as part of biodiversity strategy.
• Poison-free natural farming is being promoted as it supports ecological balance.

Vulture Conservation:

• Vultures, known as nature’s cleaners, are endangered.
• The Jatayu Conservation Centre in Gorakhpur is a significant step by the state to preserve this species.

Major Species Found in Uttar Pradesh: