Home / Environment / Blackbuck Boom: UP Sanctuary Gears Up for Growth
Blackbuck Boom: UP Sanctuary Gears Up for Growth
25 Feb
Summary
- Sanctuary habitat to be unified into a continuous landscape.
- Blackbuck population increased from 404 in 2011 to 508 presently.
- Eco-tourism plans include linking with dolphin habitat for visitors.
Conservation efforts are intensifying at Uttar Pradesh's Chand Khamaria Blackbuck Sanctuary, the state's only designated reserve. The administration aims to consolidate scattered conservation areas into a continuous 126-hectare habitat cluster. This strategic move is expected to minimize human interference and provide a safer environment for blackbuck breeding and population growth.
The sanctuary, located in Prayagraj district, has already seen a positive increase in its blackbuck numbers, rising from 404 in 2011 to 508 as of the latest count. A comprehensive census, using scientific techniques like transect walks and pellet counts, is planned for March 2026, with collaboration from Acharya Narendra Dev University. This data will inform future conservation strategies.
Beyond habitat consolidation, plans include water conservation measures with new check dams to ensure year-round grazing grounds. Furthermore, the sanctuary is being considered for eco-tourism integration, potentially linking it with a nearby Gangetic dolphin habitat. This initiative aims to develop the area into a sustainable tourism hub while reinforcing wildlife protection.
