Lucknow — In a landmark step towards wildlife conservation under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Forest and Wildlife Department of Uttar Pradesh has sanctioned Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) for Lucknow and Gorakhpur divisions, aimed at providing timely treatment to injured Sarus cranes — the state bird — and other wild animals.
The decision comes in response to a long-standing demand from the Uttar Pradesh Sarus Conservation Committee, which highlighted the need for mobile emergency response units to handle wildlife injuries more effectively across the state.
Fast-Track Medical Aid for Wildlife
The Mobile Veterinary Units, specially designed Tata Winger vans, will be equipped with modern medical tools, emergency drugs, and trained veterinary staff. These units will provide on-site first aid to injured birds and animals, and if needed, transport them safely to the nearest wildlife veterinary facilities.
Chief Wildlife Warden Anuradha Vemuri confirmed the development, stating,
“The need for MVUs had been raised multiple times by the Sarus Conservation Committee. We have now sanctioned them for Lucknow and Gorakhpur divisions. Similar proposals for Kanpur and Meerut are under consideration.”
This move is expected to significantly boost wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in key regions known for rich biodiversity and large Sarus populations.
Sarus Crane: A Symbol of Uttar Pradesh’s Natural Heritage
The Sarus crane, a graceful and towering bird symbolic of Uttar Pradesh, is currently found across 59 districts in the state. However, the species faces increasing threats from natural calamities, poaching, electrocution, and habitat destruction. Injured birds often struggle to receive timely care due to the vastness of the state and lack of mobile veterinary facilities.
The introduction of MVUs addresses this gap by bringing emergency care to the field, reducing fatalities and supporting conservationists and local forest divisions in their daily rescue operations.
Expansion Plans Underway
Though limited resources have delayed rollout in other regions, the Forest Department is working toward expanding the MVU network to Kanpur, Meerut, and other forest divisions. Officials have reiterated the goal of ensuring state-wide coverage, allowing quick intervention for any distressed wildlife — not just Sarus cranes but also small mammals and birds affected by accidents or human activity.
The initiative aligns closely with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s broader vision of biodiversity conservation and community engagement, ensuring that wildlife health and preservation remain a top priority for the government.
In time, these MVUs are expected to evolve into a statewide rapid response force for wildlife emergencies, setting a new benchmark for proactive wildlife management and conservation in India.
