World Turtle Day: UP's success story in conservation
2
Lucknow: In a remarkable push towards wildlife preservation, the Yogi govt has taken unprecedented measures to conserve turtle species across Uttar Pradesh. As the world celebrates World Turtle Day on May 23 to raise awareness about the protection and biological significance of turtles, UP stands out with its proactive efforts.
Turtles are considered one of the oldest and longest-living creatures on earth and play a vital role in maintaining aquatic ecosystems. Often referred to as the "cleaners of water bodies", these creatures help control pollution in rivers, ponds and lakes.
Turtles rescued from illegal trafficking in other states are being relocated and protected in UP. Several conservation centres have been established, including those in Kukrail, Sarnath and Chambal, along with a dedicated Turtle Sanctuary near Prayagraj.
These centres serve as safe habitats and breeding grounds for various turtle species.
Under the Namami Gange projects, work has also started to identify and protect turtles and their natural habitats. A turtle sanctuary has been set up near Prayagraj. Arvind Yadav, DFO, Prayagraj, said the sanctuary was established in 2020. It covers a 30-kilometre area and stretches across three districts — starting from Kothari Meja in Prayagraj, passing through Mirzapur and Bhadohi, and reaching up to Uparwar.
Out of 30 species of turtles found in India, 15 are found in UP, including Brahmani, Pacheda, Kori Pacheda, Kalitoh, Kala Kacchua, Haldi Baath Kacchua, Saal Kacchua Tilakdhari, Dhor Kacchua, Bhootkatha Kacchua, Pahadi Trikutki Kacchua, Sundari Kacchua, Morpankhi Kacchua, Katahwa Litherhwa, Syontar Fighter, Parvati Kacchua, and others.
Species like Katahwa, Morpankhi, Saal, and Sundari play an essential role in keeping water bodies clean and ecologically balanced amidst growing pollution concerns.
Anuradha Vemuri, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), UP, said efforts are also being made to stop their trade.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Ishan river revival benefits 44 UP villages
Lucknow: Reduced to a dry channel because of massive encroachment stopping its flow, Ishan river is being revived under state govt's 'One District-One River' scheme. The river is now flowing through Etah, Hathras, Mainpuri, Kannauj and Kanpur Nagar districts. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The project to revive the river was undertaken by State Clean Ganga Mission, Namami Gange and Rural Water Supply Department. Etah district magistrate Prem Ranjan Singh said revival of the 57 km-long river benefited farmers in 44 village panchayats. Locals were employed under MNREGA to carry out works like the excavation of ponds, desilting, and plantations. Ishan enters Etah district from Nagla Godi village in Nidhauli Kalan development block. TNN
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
UP revives 50 rivers through joint efforts
Lucknow: Aimed at water conservation and sustainability, the state govt's project to revive rivers has seen 50 rivers, spanning 3,363 km, rejuvenated through the combined efforts of the govt and locals. Driven by the Namami Gange programme and sustained through the local workforce under MNREGA, the project focused on small rivers and streams in gram panchayats to benefit the population around these river bodies. A govt spokesperson said that the govt managed to revive small rivers and streams across 1,011 gram panchayats. "These water bodies were not only cleaned but also restored to their natural flow, leading to a noticeable rise in groundwater levels and easing water scarcity for local farmers," the official said. The govt has identified another 86 projects for river cleaning, deepening, embankment construction, plantation, stream restoration, and watershed development, which will be taken up under MNREGA. The govt has also initiated a greening project aimed at preventing soil erosion and strengthening embankments. As part of this, the govt carried out plantations at 894 locations along the banks of these rivers. It also built and strengthened 3,388 ponds, increasing water storage capacity in rural areas and helping farmers, livestock, etc. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esta nueva alarma con cámara es casi regalada en James Craik (ver precio) Verisure Más información Undo "The revival of rivers has not only improved the environment but also restored the significance of cultural and religious sites near these water bodies. People are now more aware of the importance of water conservation and are actively participating in local efforts. This initiative by the state govt has emerged as an effective strategy to address water scarcity, create rural employment, and sustain ecological balance in UP," the official added.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Time of India
State govt to revive six more small rivers in Prayagraj dist
1 2 Prayagraj: The state govt has taken an initiative to identify the small rivers that are on the verge of extinction in the Prayagraj district and revive them. After reviving three small rivers, including Lapri, Karnavati and Loni, district authorities have identified six small rivers, including Belan, Thotha, Bakrahi, Sevarahi, Ghaghar and Varuna. Officials claimed that the revival of these small rivers will not only help to maintain ecology but also create more opportunities for agriculture, groundwater, and rural life. The Yogi-led state govt is making herculean efforts to revive extinct small rivers across the state with the objective of improving the ecosystem as well as the groundwater level. Apart from the three major rivers of Ganga, Yamuna, and Tons, there are more than a dozen small rivers in Prayagraj that are currently struggling for their survival. Once these small rivers are rejuvenated, there will be an abundance of water and other resources to be found in all 23 blocks of the district. Chief development officer (Prayagraj), Harshika Singh says, "On the instructions of the govt, the identification of small rivers on the verge of extinction is being carried out across the district. The list of identified rivers includes Loni, Lapri, Karnavati, Belan, Thotha, Bakrahi, Sevarhi, Ghaghar, and Varuna." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giá vàng đang tăng mạnh trong năm 2025 — Các nhà giao dịch thông minh đã tham gia IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo The administration has been successful in reviving the Lapri and Karnavati rivers with a budget of 102.44 lakhs, while the exercise of rejuvenating the Loni river is underway with a budget of Rs 1.50 crores. An inclusive action plan is also being prepared for the remaining rivers. Officials claimed that reviving these small rivers is possible only through a long process and every individual's participation. For this, the govt is connecting gram panchayats, schools, and voluntary organisations with the river conservation campaign to ensure rural participation. By creating river friends in every village, a permanent monitoring system is being developed. Encroachment is being removed on the river banks, and floodplains are being freed. There are plans to revive traditional water sources, which include activating old wells, stepwells and ponds related to the river, as water storage. Experts said, "To revive the vanishing small rivers, the first requirement is to maintain the availability of water reaching the rivers throughout the year. This will be possible only when the condition of the groundwater level in that area remains better so that the pressure of irrigation does not fall much on these small rivers." The state govt has also prepared a backup plan for the rejuvenation of small rivers. Deputy Commissioner (MNREGA) Gulab Chandra said that a total of 583 Amrit Sarovars have been constructed in the district so far at a cost of Rs 28.92 crores to store around 13 lakh cubic rainwater. Apart from this, 106 Amrit Sarovars are under construction in the district in the current financial year. Similarly, the target of digging 50 ponds has been set in the Prayagraj district this year, which is three times more than last year.
