Socio-ecological Aspects of Wetland Conservation in a Water Starved City: Special Reference to Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary in Agra, India

摘要

Sur Sarovar is the only noteworthy lake in the water starved city of Agra. It has an immense importance in the city's social/ecological scenario. The city of Agra attracts visitors due to the world famous Taj Mahal, some visitors trickle into the bird Sanctuary. The place has been marked as a National Bird Sanctuary since 1991 and appropriately named Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary also known as Soor Sarovar Pakshi Vihar. This study looks into various aspects from wetland management, Government of India's initiatives on wetland conservation, biodiversity at Soor Sarovar etc. Secondary data has been collected on the biodiversity rich area and analyzed. People connected with the preservation of the reserve both academically and practically were interviewed. Anthropogenic activities were found to be harming this wetland reserve. The management and protection of wetlands has been successful where many stakeholders have worked together with government. This sanctuary requires a plan to prosper and it will prove to be of immense pleasure to tourists, residents of Agra and the environmentalists. Eco tourism potential for Soor Sarovar has to be harnessed keeping in mind the sustainable aspects since it harbours tremendous biodiversity. Conserving the ecosystems is not easy unless the principal stakeholders are involved in the process.