LUCKNOW, June 20 -- Two new rhino rehabilitation areas (RRAs) will come up in Dudhwa National Park, in Lakhimpur, and the state government has allocated a budget of Rs 1.5 crore for the project. The project aims for long-term preservation of the natural habitats of rhinos and other endangered species, training personnel for wildlife monitoring, and procuring essential medicines and equipment. The project will be implemented specifically in Dudhwa National Park, with the goal of ensuring sustainable measures for habitat protection. Dudhwa has 50 one-horned rhinos. Dudhwa National Park's deputy director T Rengaraju, said that the new centres-RRA-3 and RRA-4-will follow the earlier models of RRA-1 and RRA-2 and facilitate close monitoring of rhinos in semi-wild environments, enabling them to thrive naturally in their habitat. The initiative will also benefit other endangered species in the area. Rengaraju said that of the total, Rs 1.27 crore will be used for the maintenance of natural habitats, water bodies, and favourable vegetation. An additional Rs 7 lakh has been set aside for wildlife medicines and chemicals, Rs 4.8 lakh for major construction work, and Rs 3 lakh for minor civil work. "Moreover, Rs 7 lakh will be used for the procurement of monitoring devices, machinery, and other necessary equipment. The project's overarching goal is not just to conserve rhino habitats, but also to strengthen surveillance systems to curb poaching and the illegal trade of rhino parts," he said....