State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 28 Apr 2025

Eco-tourism in UP

Why in News? 

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to develop dams and reservoirs as tourist destinations to promote eco-tourism in the state. 

Key Points 

• About the Initiative: 
  • Under this initiative, infrastructure will be constructed on seven major dams and lakes in Chitrakoot, Mahoba, Sonbhadra, Hamirpur, Jhansi, Siddharthnagar and Banda districts . 
  • The cooperation of the Irrigation and Water Resources Department has been ensured to promote water and adventure sports activities at these places . 
  • The reservoirs and dams selected include: 
    • Gunta Dam (Chitrakoot) 
    • Arjun Dam (Mahoba) 
    • Dhandhraul Dam (Sonbhadra) 
    • Maudaha Dam (Hamirpur) 
    • Garhmau Lake (Jhansi) 
    • Majhauli Sagar (Siddharthanagar) 
    • Nawab Tank (Banda) 
  • The government aims to enhance the natural beauty of these reservoirs through modern tourist facilities like resorts, boating, water sports, trekking and camping . 
  • This scheme will strengthen employment generation and economic development at the local level . 
• The Irrigation and Water Resources Department will provide technical assistance and necessary permissions for these projects, and will also ensure compliance with the safety standards of the dams and maintaining the structure . 
  • Special attention will also be given to environmental and safety standards during water sports activities.  

 Eco Tourism 

• Introduction:  
  • Eco tourism is a form of tourism that focuses on environmentally friendly , sustainable and natural areas.  
  • In this, natural areas such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, rainforests etc. are visited in such a way that there is no harm to the biodiversity and culture there. 
• Objective: 
  • It aims to support conservation efforts, provide economic benefits to local communities, and create awareness among visitors about nature . 
• Types: 
  • Wildlife tourism: Observing animals in national parks and sanctuaries. 
  • Forest tourism: exploring rainforests and deciduous forests. 
  • Marine tourism: Observation of marine life. 
  • Cultural tourism: getting to know the customs of indigenous communities. 
  • Adventure tourism: Environmentally sustainable activities like trekking, mountaineering etc. 
• Global Perspective of Ecotourism: 
  • The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has recognized ecotourism as a means of sustainable development . 

Kanha Gaushala

Why in News? 

A two megawatt solar power plant will be installed at the Kanha Gaushala of the Agra Municipal Corporation, making it the first such Gaushala in the state that will produce and use renewable energy on a large scale. 

Key Points 

• About Kanha Gaushala: 
  • This project is being implemented under the Municipal Bond Scheme, by the Municipal Corporation keeping in mind the goal of a green future by the year 2025. 
    • This will not only fulfill the energy needs of the cowshed from a clean source but will also strengthen environmental protection. 
  • The cowshed already has 100 solar street lights installed, which are an example of clean energy. 
  • Cow dung is being used to make cow dung cakes in the Gaushala, which are being used as an alternative to wood in religious rituals and funerals.  
  • This prevent deforestation and protect the environment . 
• Location:  
  • The goshala is located on a land where the soil is barren and groundwater is saline. Despite this, a dense forest has been developed here in an area of 5000 square meters by Miyawaki technique , which promotes biodiversity and acts as a natural oxygen zone . 
  • This cowshed has now become a leading model of energy, greenery and innovation 

 Municipal Bonds 

• Debt instruments issued by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to fund infrastructure and development projects.  
• Advantages: Reduce reliance on government funds, enhance financial autonomy, attract private investment, and enable long-term urban financing.  
• Challenges: Low issuance due to heavy dependence on state grants (38% of revenue in FY 24). Only a few cities like Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, Hyderabad, and Lucknow have issued bonds.  
• Spending Pattern (FY18-FY25): Most funds raised by municipalities through bonds were allocated to urban water supply and sewerage, followed by renewable energy and river development. 

Miyawaki Plantation Method 

• The pioneer of the Miyawaki method is Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. With this method, forests can be converted into dense forests in a very short time. 
• This methodology was developed in the 1970s with the basic aim of creating dense green cover within a small piece of land. 
• In this process the trees grow on their own and within three years they grow to their full height. 
• The plants used in the Miyawaki method are mostly self-sufficient and do not require regular maintenance such as fertilizing and watering.