In a bid to bolster the security of the rich wildlife in Dudhwa forests, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve have embarked on a partnership. The alliance will involve joint patrolling, as well as intelligence and information sharing among various security agencies about the activities of wildlife and forest criminals.
The Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
Located primarily across Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri and Bahraich districts, the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is a protected area. The reserve comprises the Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary and Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. The habitats within the reserve are very diverse, including marshes, grasslands, and dense forests.
Sashastra Seema Bal
Sashastra Seema Bal, initially established as the Special Service Bureau in May 1963, was introduced after Chinese aggression in 1962. Since 2001, the SSB has been under the Ministry of Home Affairs and was declared a Lead Intelligence Agency for the Indo Nepal border and later assigned the Indo Bhutan border in March 2004.
Vetiver Grass
Vetiveria zizanioides, commonly known as Vetiver Grass or Khus grass, is gaining popularity in Tamil Nadu due to its wide range of applications. This indigenous Indian grass grows abundantly in different types of soil. It is cultivated mainly in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh in India.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vetiver Main Producers | Tropical Asia, Africa, Australia, Haiti, Indonesia, Guatemala, India, China and Brazil |
| Vetiver System Introduced by | World Bank |
| Vetiver System Used In | Soil and water conservation in over 100 countries |
Uses and Application of Vetiver Grass
This grass is particularly effective in combating soil erosion, especially on hilly slopes. Besides, it has the capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, thus reducing carbon footprints. The grass is capable of purifying polluted water bodies through phyto-remediation and retains moisture which makes it ideal for soil conservation and groundwater replenishment.
Saltwater Crocodile Sighted in Andhra Pradesh
At least two saltwater crocodiles were sighted in Andhra Pradesh Coast. These crocodiles are usually found around the Odisha Coast, and their presence in Andhra suggests migration of the species from Odisha. The pair will be relocated to the Bhitarkanika National Park (BNP), Odisha.
Indian Crocodile Conservation Project
Following indiscriminate killing for commercial purpose and severe habitat loss, India launched the Crocodile Conservation Project in 1975. The initiative covered different species of crocodiles and implemented several strategies including a rear and release programme. As a result, the estimated number of saltwater crocodiles rose from 96 in 1976 to 1,640 in 2012.
Crocodiles in India
India is home to three species of crocodilians, namely Gharial, Mugger crocodile and Saltwater crocodile. Gavialis gangeticus, or Gharial, is currently listed as critically endangered, whereas Crocodylus palustris or Mugger crocodile is considered vulnerable. Crocodylus porosus, the Saltwater crocodile, is of least concern, according to the IUCN Red List.
Bhitarkanika National Park
The Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha, one of the state’s finest biodiversity hotspots, is renowned for its green mangroves, migratory birds, turtles, and estuarine crocodiles. The park reportedly houses 70% of India’s estuarine or saltwater crocodiles.
United Nations Shortlists Noida, Greater Noida for ‘Global Cities’ Initiative
The United Nations has officially invited Uttar Pradesh’s Noida and Greater Noida to participate in its Global Sustainable Cities 2025 initiative. The initiative seeks to establish 25 model cities worldwide that will be fully compliant with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2025. Noida and Greater Noida have been selected in the “University City” category over Mumbai and Bengaluru, becoming the only invitees from India.