‘Sarus Circuit’ to be developed in Mainpuri and Etawah to promote sarus conservation and eco-tourism

Tourists and local communities will be encouraged to conserve the sarus bird and wetlands

Lucknow: March 2026 : Yogi government is establishing a Sarus Circuit to promote the conservation of Sarus crane, the state bird of Uttar Pradesh and to boost eco-tourism. Sarus Circuit is being developed in the wetlands of Mainpuri and Etawah districts. Under this initiative, the circuit will include wetland areas in Kirthua, Sahas, Kurra Jarawan, Soj and Saman in Mainpuri, along with Sarsai Nawar and Parauli Ramayan in Etawah.

Along with protecting the Sarus crane, eco-tourism activities will also be developed within the Sarus Circuit. Main objective is to promote both sarus conservation and wetland preservation, while also encouraging local tourism. The initiative will create income opportunities for local communities and motivate people to protect the Sarus bird and wetlands. These projects are being implemented by forest department through UP Eco-Tourism Development Board.

Sarus crane, known as the tallest flying bird in the world, is the state bird of Uttar Pradesh. Its habitat and breeding grounds are mainly found in the wetlands of Mainpuri, Etawah, Etah, and Aligarh. Keeping this in view, state government is developing the Sarus Circuit for its conservation.

Under this initiative, Forest Department, through UP Eco-Tourism Development Board, is working to conserve shallow water bodies, ponds and wetlands in the region and make them more suitable habitats for Sarus cranes. At the same time, eco-tourism activities are also being developed in the area.

As part of this development, facilities such as entrance gates, viewpoints, decks and boating spots, butterfly gardens, solar site lighting, interpretation centres and parking areas will be created within the Sarus Circuit. Additionally, information centres, eco-toilet blocks, interactive signage, food kiosks and shops for ODOP products and souvenirs will be established for tourists. These facilities will provide visitors an opportunity to observe and understand the natural habitat of the Sarus crane.

This initiative by Yogi government will not only ensure the protection of Sarus crane and other birds such as grey heron and open-billed stork, but will also strengthen the conservation of wetlands in the region. It will help increase groundwater levels, reduce the impacts of global warming and contribute to sustainable development.

Moreover, the development of eco-tourism activities in these areas will generate income and employment opportunities for local communities. It will also increase environmental awareness and sensitivity toward nature among both residents and visiting tourists.

By ensuring the safety and conservation of Sarus crane in its natural habitat, Yogi government is making a unique effort to preserve the region’s biodiversity. These projects will also play an important role in realizing CM Yogi Adityanath’s vision of sustainable development.