Lack of proper infrastructure facilities and decreasing number of migratory birds in these conserved wetlands have only added to the woes and experts feel that if strong steps are not taken to protect this fragile ecosystems, which are homes to a large number of migratory birds in the state, may soon turn into dry and barren lands.

The state has 12 conserved wetlands apart from the latest addition. Some of the other popular conserved wetlands are Nawabganj bird sanctuary in Unnao district, Samaspur in Rae Bareli, Sandi in Hardoi and Lakh Bahosi in Kannauj. But ironically, the condition of most of these wetlands is pitiable. The officials of the forest department admit that the number of the migratory birds arriving in these swamps during winter has “definitely decreased”.

This year, the Nawabganj bird sanctuary, which is spread over 80 hectares of land, had water barely in 12 to 13 hectares. This significantly brought down the number of migratory birds and also the tourists.

“We are trying our best to have better facilities at these wetlands. We have an annual project for which we get 50 per cent of the money from the Union Government and we are also pitching in. There is a need to create more awareness among people about the need to conserve these wetlands. We are also trying to do this, “ said Eva Sharma, conservator (endangered species) in the state department of forests.

Experts from organisations like the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) have also highlighted the problems of the wetlands with the state government. “Indeed UP has a very rich cover of wetlands, which is not just home to migratory birds, but also to the state bird of UP, the sarus crane. And it is very important that these wetlands should not just be conserved, but should also be improved,” said Ashok Kumar of WTI.

The WTI had taken up the cause of wetlands in Etawah district in 2002, when they had filed a writ with the Allahabad High Court. Following the writ, the UP government agreed in conserving the wetlands and also formed a committee for the protection of the Sarus crane.