Furthering wildlife conservation in UP, HCL's Habitats Trust inks MoU with forest department

In an attempt to boost the wildlife conservation in UP, Habitats Trust has joined hands with the state's Forest Department. Founded by HCL Technologies Chair Roshni Nadar Malhotra, the trust has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to accelerate the existing efforts of conserving wildlife and their natural habitats. As per the official release, this association will work towards bridging the gaps in research and restoration initiatives of natural wildlife habitats.

The partnership between Habitat Trust and UPFD is said to focus on the terai arc of the North-Eastern UP that is Pilibhit, Dudhwa and the surrounding forests, wetlands in Pilibhit, Etawah, Mainpuri and other UP districts. In addition to this, special attention will be given to the scientific restoration of degraded habitats and amping up mobility infrastructures like patrolling vehicles and boats.

As per the MoU, this agreement also includes support with behaviour psychology and mental health assistance for personnel on forest duty along with the communities living there.

Talking about this association, Sanjaya Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife, UPFD said, "For long term sustainable and impactful biodiversity conservation, it is important that all stakeholders come together for the cause. We look forward to working with The Habitats Trust closely on various issues including grasslands and wetland conservation in the state of Uttar Pradesh and hope that this will result in long-term impact."

Home to rich biodiversity, Uttar Pradesh houses 27 registered wildlife sanctuaries along with three operational tiger reserves at Dudhwa, Pilibhit and Amangarh. That is not all, 10 out of the total 49 notified RAMSAR wetland sites in India are found in UP. This makes it the number one state in the country when it comes to the number of wetlands marked within its geographical limits.

Whether it is the wildlife sanctuaries or reserves or wetlands, these demarcated lands are categorised as protected areas. Since the fauna residing in these habitats are at risk of man-animal conflicts, poaching, logging and other aspects that impact wildlife adversely. These issues have increased threats to the already endangered species including Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Indian Wolf, Asian Elephants and others, that are found in the protected areas of Uttar Pradesh.

The UP forest department protects and guards existing wildlife and their natural habitat spanning over 6,450 sq. km across the state. This union of HCL's Habitats Trust and the state forest department is aimed to facilitate and augment such crucial efforts essential to wildlife conservation in UP.

-with inputs from IANS.