Detailed Project report of Bakhira Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

The Indo-Gangetic floodplains in the state of Uttar Pradesh, harbours numerous natural and man-made wetlands. Bakhira Lake is an important oxbow Lake of eastern Uttar Pradesh, which provides wintering and staging ground for large number of migratory birds and breeding ground for resident birds. Realizing the ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural and zoological significance of the area for the purpose of protecting, propagating and developing wild life and its environment the area has been declared as Sanctuary. 2. The lake supports about 100 species of resident and migratory waterfowl, over 40 species of fish, several species of amphibians and reptiles and the smooth coated otter, Nilgai and common langur. Over the centuries the fisher folks have practiced indigenes non-detrimental fisheries methods being dependant on the lake, but with the recent hydrological changes, they claim fish population, size and diversity to have changed and declined and are resorting to unsustainable fisheries practices to obtain a minimum required catch. 3. Further, Bakhira wetland has a significant socio-economic, ecological, floral and faunal value in addition to their aesthetic values. The Management Action Plans suggested in this DPR include both Policy level and site level Management Actions keeping in view the need to safeguard the well-being of this wetland and people around. 4. The DPR is also suggests the need for capacity building to professionally manage this wetland. A special focus is given to development of proper eco-development strategies that will decrease the human dependency on the wetland resources and increase visitation of these sites through proper eco-tourism plans. 5. Vision: “Ecologically functional wetland of ‘Bakhira Bird Sanctuary’ is important biodiversity heritage of Uttar Pradesh should be conserved and emerge as a centre of excellence for eco-tourism and conservation education”. 6. Objectives: a) Appreciate and promote the importance of integrated and sustainable management of Bakhira Bird Sanctuary (BBS); b) Promote participation of stakeholders in the management of BBS; c) Mainstream biodiversity conservation into production sectors of the region especially fisheries, tourism and agriculture; d) Effectively as well as scientifically protect, manage and monitor the biodiversity of BBS; e) Promote eco-friendly tourism that provides a rich experience for tourists, economic benefits to the local people and support to the Sanctuary; f) Develop BBS as a world class biodiversity site to promote eco-tourism and nature education. 7. Problems: Major portion of the sanctuary including the entire wetland area is not belongs to the State Forest Department that hindering the effective management of the Sanctuary. Altered hydrology that resulted in lack of flushing mechanism in the wetland. High nutrient rich water due to agricultural runoff and use of domestic animals in large numbers.Poaching. Fishing during the critical period and in the critical wildlife habitats. Spreading of Phragmites, Hydrilla in the wetland. Pollution (source: sewage pollution from urbans – poor sewerage system). Lack of inter-sectoral co-ordinations in planning and development of nearby Municipal corporations. Increasing anthropogenic pressure around the Sanctuary. Lack of clarity on ‘Scope of the Management Area of BBS’. Multi-stakeholders but lack of ownership and participation in conservation. Poor infrastructure of Management Authority of BBS. Poor infrastructure to promote eco-tourism, eco-development and nature education, to strengthening protection and monitoring.