UP Cabinet Approves Land Transfer to Expand Saman Bird Sanctuary Tourism

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved a proposal to transfer designated land to the State Tourism Department to promote sustainable eco-tourism at the Saman Bird Sanctuary in Mainpuri district. The decision aims to enhance infrastructure around the protected area while ensuring strict environmental safeguards for resident and migratory avian populations.

Saman Bird Sanctuary was designated as a Ramsar Site of international importance in 2019 under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Situated on the Ganges floodplain in western Uttar Pradesh, the sanctuary is a seasonal oxbow lake reliant on monsoon runoff. It serves as a critical wintering ground for tens of thousands of migratory birds traveling along the Central Asian Flyway.

The sanctuary supports vulnerable species such as the Sarus Crane (Grus antigone), Greylag Goose, Northern Pintail, and Greater Spotted Eagle. The approved plan focuses on building eco-friendly visitor centers, bird-watching towers, and nature trails without disturbing the core wetland ecosystem, thereby creating local livelihood opportunities through eco-tourism.

Environment and ecology topics form a major chunk of UPSC Prelims questions. Aspirants must memorize Saman Bird Sanctuary's location (Mainpuri, UP), its status as a Ramsar Site, associated bird species, and oxbow lake hydrology. Mains questions may cover balancing eco-tourism with wetland conservation under the Ramsar Convention framework.