To bolster wildlife protection, Uttar Pradesh has approved the establishment of two new Rhino Rehabilitation Areas (RRAs) in Dudhwa National Park, Lakhimpur.
Under the Forest and Wildlife Department’s ambitious plan, a budget of Rs 1.5 crore has been allocated for the project.
This fund will be utilised for the long-term preservation of the natural habitats of rhinos and other endangered species, training personnel for wildlife monitoring, and procuring essential medicines and equipment.
Additionally, a portion of the funds will be dedicated to raising awareness among local communities about the importance of rhino and wildlife conservation.
The department has launched this long-term conservation project focused on protecting the natural habitat of rhinos and other endangered species in the Terai region of UP.
The project will be implemented specifically in Dudhwa National Park, with the goal of ensuring sustainable measures for habitat protection.
The proposed centres — RRA-3 and RRA-4 — will follow the earlier models of RRA-1 and RRA-2 and facilitate close monitoring of rhinos in semi-wild environments, enabling them to thrive naturally in their habitat.
The initiative will also benefit other endangered species in the area.
The project’s overarching goal is not just to conserve rhino habitats, but also to strengthen surveillance systems to curb poaching and the illegal trade of rhino parts.
Training programmes will also be organised to involve and sensitise local communities towards conservation efforts.
This initiative by the Yogi Adityanath government will not only contribute to increasing the rhino population, but also play a vital role in preserving the overall biodiversity of the region.