Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, India. 

The Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna. It is primarily composed of moist deciduous forests, grasslands, and marshes. The sanctuary provides a habitat for various wildlife species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. 

The sanctuary is home to a variety of avian species, making it a haven for birdwatchers. It is known for its resident and migratory birds.

Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Shravasti, Balrampur and Gonda districts of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is situated in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, near the border with Nepal. The sanctuary is approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles) north-east of Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is the Lucknow Airport (Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It is approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles) away from the sanctuary.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is the Balrampur Railway Station, which is located in Balrampur district, Uttar Pradesh. It is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) away from the sanctuary.

Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary History

Establishment: The Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1988 with the aim of conserving the biodiversity of the Terai region in Uttar Pradesh, India. 

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Sohagi Barwa is one of the tiger habitats of in Uttar Pradesh. 

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is situated on the west bank of the Gandak River, near the border with Nepal. It shares its northern boundary with Nepal and is adjacent to Bihar's Valmiki Tiger Reserve on its eastern border.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary is the Gorakhpur Airport, also known as Mahayogi Gorakhnath Airport. It is located in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, which is approximately 105 kilometers (65 miles) away from the sanctuary.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary is the Gorakhpur Junction railway station. It is a major railway station in the region and is well-connected to various cities across India. From Gorakhpur Junction, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the sanctuary, which is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) away.

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary History

The Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary has a relatively short history compared to some other wildlife sanctuaries in India. Here's a brief overview of its history:

1. Establishment: The Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1987. It was created as a protected area under the Wildlife Protection Act of India, 1972. The sanctuary was established with the aim of conserving the region's biodiversity and providing a safe habitat for various wildlife species.

2. Conservation Efforts: Since its establishment, the Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary has been a focus of conservation efforts aimed at preserving its natural heritage. The sanctuary plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region and protecting the diverse flora and fauna found within its boundaries. Measures have been taken to prevent poaching, habitat destruction, and encroachment in the sanctuary.

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary covers an approximate area of 428.2 square kilometers (165.3 square miles). The sanctuary encompasses a significant land area, providing habitat to a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary is divided into seven forest ranges, namely; 

• Pakdi
• Madhwaliya
• Laxmipur
• North Chouk
• South Chouk
• Seopur
• Nichlaul Ranges

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary River

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary is drained by the great Gandak, the little Gandak, Pyas and Rohin rivers.

(1) The Great Gandak River:

• The Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary is drained by the Great Gandak River.
• The Great Gandak River is a major river in the region, flowing through parts of Nepal and India.
• It is an important water source for the sanctuary and contributes to the overall ecosystem.

(2) The Little Gandak River:

• The Little Gandak River also flows through the Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary.
• It is a tributary of the Great Gandak River and adds to the water resources of the sanctuary.
• The presence of the Little Gandak River further enhances the biodiversity and habitat diversity within the sanctuary.

(3) Pyas River:

• The Pyas River is another significant river that drains the Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary.
• It is a tributary of the Gandak River and contributes to the water flow and dynamics of the sanctuary.
• The Pyas River plays a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem and supporting the wildlife and vegetation in the sanctuary.

(4) Rohin River:

• The Rohin River is yet another river associated with the Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary.
• It is also a tributary of the Gandak River and helps shape the landscape of the sanctuary.
• The presence of the Rohin River adds to the overall water availability and supports the diverse wildlife found within the sanctuary.

Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, is located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. 

The sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species. It is characterized by dense forests, perennial streams, and hilly terrain.

Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Mahaveer Swami Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Lalitpur district of Uttar Pradesh, India.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary is the Gwalior Airport, located in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, which is approximately 160 kilometers (99 miles) away. The Gwalior Airport operates domestic flights to major cities in India.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary is Lalitpur Junction. It is located in Lalitpur district of Uttar Pradesh. It is well-connected to major cities in Uttar Pradesh and other parts of India through regular train services.

Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary History

1. Establishment: The sanctuary was established in 1977 with the primary objective of conserving and protecting the biodiversity of the area. It was recognized as a sanctuary to safeguard the unique ecosystems and provide a safe haven for the region's flora and fauna.

2. Spiritual Connection: The Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary is named after Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara (spiritual leader) of Jainism, who is believed to have attained enlightenment in this region.

Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary is spreads over an area of 5.4 km2.

Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna.

Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Sonbhadra and Mirzapur districts of southeastern Uttar Pradesh, India. It is situated in the Kaimur Range of the Vindhya Hills. 

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary is Varanasi International Airport, also known as Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport. It is located in Babatpur, Varanasi, which is approximately 170 kilometers away from the sanctuary.

Nearest Railway Station:

As for the nearest railway station, the Mirzapur Junction railway station serves as the closest railhead to Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located in Mirzapur city and is approximately 45 kilometers away from the sanctuary.

Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary History

The Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Kaimoor Wildlife Division, has a relatively recent history. It was established in the year 1982 with the aim of conserving the rich biodiversity and natural habitat of the region.

The establishment of the Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary was a significant step towards protecting the wildlife and vegetation in the region. It provides a protected area for various animal species to thrive, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and more.

Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 1,345 square kilometers.

Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary Hills

The Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Kaimur Hills, also known as the Kaimoor Range. These hills are a part of the Vindhya Range, a range of hills and plateaus that stretches across central India. The Kaimoor Hills are situated in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

The Kaimoor Hills are known for their scenic beauty and diverse ecosystems. They are covered with dense vegetation, including dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and scrublands. The hills provide a suitable habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species.

Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary River

The Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary is traversed by the Son River. The Son River is a major tributary of the Ganges River and flows through the sanctuary, adding to its natural beauty and providing water resources for the flora and fauna in the region.

The Son River is known for its scenic landscapes and plays a crucial role in supporting the diverse ecosystems within and around the Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary. The river provides a source of water for the wildlife, serves as a habitat for aquatic species, and contributes to the overall ecological balance of the sanctuary.

Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC (Kachhua Wildlife Sanctuary)

Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The santuary is focused on the conservation and protection of turtles and their habitats in this specific area. It aims to provide a safe environment for turtles to nest, breed, and thrive in the Ganga River.

Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh, India. The sanctuary covers a 7 km stretch of the Ganga River flowing through Varanasi city, starting from Ramnagar Fort and extending to the Malviya Rail/Road Bridge.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife Sanctuary is the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, also known as Varanasi Airport. It is located approximately 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) from the sanctuary.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to the Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife Sanctuary is the Varanasi Junction, also known as Varanasi Cantt Railway Station. It is a major railway station in Varanasi and is situated approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the sanctuary.

Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife Sanctuary History

1. Ganga Action Plan and Turtle Breeding Project: In 1986, the Indian government initiated the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) Phase I to tackle pollution in the River Ganges. As part of this plan, a turtle breeding project was launched at Sarnath. The breeding center at Sarnath played a crucial role in hatching and rearing turtles, including both herbivores and carnivores, for a period of one to one and a half years. The objective was to release these turtles into the Ganges to combat bio-pollutants such as partly cremated and discarded bodies found in the river. The eggs for this program were specifically procured from the Chambal River. Approximately 2,000 turtles were released annually into the River Ganges.

2. Establishment of the Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife Sanctuary: In response to the need to protect the released turtles and preserve their habitat, the Kachhua Sanctuary was declared a Wildlife Protection Zone. The sanctuary spans a distance of seven kilometers, stretching from Rajghat (Malviya Rail Road Bridge) to Ramnagar Fort. The Uttar Pradesh Government issued an order (No. 4170/04-3-62/89) on 21 December 1989, declaring the sanctuary under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The sanctuary's establishment coincided with the launch of the Ganga Action Plan (GAP).

3. Conservation Measures and Importance: The Turtle Sanctuary plays a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness of the River Ganges. To safeguard the turtles and preserve their nesting sites, motor boats and sand mining activities are strictly prohibited within the protected zone of the sanctuary. Turtles lay their eggs in the river banks' sand, emphasizing the need to safeguard these areas. By protecting the turtle population and their habitat, the sanctuary contributes to the overall health and ecological balance of the river ecosystem.

Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife Sanctuary covers a stretch of approximately seven kilometers along the Ganga River in Varanasi. It extends from Rajghat (Malviya Rail Road Bridge) to Ramnagar Fort. The sanctuary's area includes the riverbanks and adjacent habitats that are crucial for the nesting and breeding of turtles.

Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife Sanctuary River

The Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife Sanctuary is located along the Ganga River. The sanctuary is established within this river to protect and conserve turtle species, provide a safe habitat for nesting, breeding, and thriving, and contribute to the overall health and preservation of the river ecosystem.

Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary is a prominent wildlife sanctuary located in Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the largest wildlife reserves in northern India. 

The sanctuary is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. It provides habitat for several endangered and threatened species. It is especially renowned for its avian diversity, attracting numerous migratory birds during the winter season.

Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is spread across Meerut, Muzzafarnagar, Ghaziabad, Bijnor, Meerut and Amroha districts of Uttar Pradesh. It is situated is situated along the banks of the Ganges River.

It is situated near the town of Hastinapur, which holds significant historical and mythological importance as the capital of the ancient Kuru Kingdom. Hastinapur is approximately 37 kilometers (23 miles) northeast of Meerut and about 130 kilometers (81 miles) northeast of the capital city, New Delhi.

How to reach Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary?

To visit the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, one can reach the nearest major cities like Meerut or Delhi and then travel by road to reach the sanctuary. 

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. It is located approximately 130 kilometers (81 miles) southwest of the sanctuary.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary is Meerut City Junction. It is located approximately 37 kilometers (23 miles) southwest of the sanctuary. Meerut City Junction is well-connected to major cities in India through regular train services.

Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary History

Here's the information about the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary history:

1. Historical Significance: The Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary derives its name from the ancient town of Hastinapur, which holds historical and mythological significance. Hastinapur is mentioned in Hindu epics like the Mahabharata, as it was the capital of the Kuru Kingdom where the events of the epic took place.

2. Establishment and Conservation: The sanctuary was established in 1986 with the primary objective of conserving and protecting the diverse flora and fauna found in the region.

3. Ramsar Site: In 2021, the Haiderpur Wetland, which is a part of the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, has been recognized as the 47th Ramsar site in India. This designation signifies its international importance as a wetland of significant ecological value.

Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh, India. The sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty.

The Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary is named after the Chandra Prabha River, which flows through the sanctuary. The sanctuary is situated near the Vindhya Mountain Range and encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including dense forests, rocky terrain, and water bodies.

Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Chandauli district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is approximately 70 kilometers away from Varanasi.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The airport is located approximately 70 kilometers away from the sanctuary.

Nearest Railway Station:

As for the nearest railway station, it is the Robertsganj Railway Station (formerly known as Sonbhadra Railway Station). The station is located around 40 kilometers from the Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary.

Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary History

The Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary has a significant historical background. The sanctuary is located in an area that holds archaeological and historical importance. Here is a brief overview of the history of the Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary:

1. Prehistoric Era: The region surrounding the sanctuary has evidence of human habitation dating back to the prehistoric era. Archaeological excavations have unearthed stone tools, rock paintings, and artifacts indicating the presence of early human settlements.

2. Influence of Ancient Empires: The area encompassing the sanctuary has been under the influence of various ancient empires throughout history. The Mauryan Empire, Gupta Empire, and the Mughal Empire are among the significant dynasties that ruled over this region.

3. Religious Significance: The Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary holds religious importance for Hindus. It is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu appeared in his Varaha (boar) avatar to rescue the Earth from the depths of the ocean. The Varaha Temple, located within the sanctuary, is a pilgrimage site visited by devotees.

4. Hunting Preserve: The area was designated as a hunting preserve for the rulers of Banaras in the second half of the 18th century. It served as a hunting ground for the rulers to indulge in hunting expeditions.

5. Establishment: The Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1957 to protect the diverse flora and fauna found in the region. The sanctuary was initially named the Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary but was later changed to Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary.

6. Introduction of Asiatic Lions: In 1958, Asiatic lions were introduced to the Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary. The introduction aimed to establish a population of lions in the sanctuary.

Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary spans an approximate area of 78 square kilometers. It is a relatively compact sanctuary of Uttar Pradesh. The sanctuary area is known for its diverse habitats, including dense forests, rocky terrain, and water bodies, which support a wide range of flora and fauna species. 

Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary Hills

Chandra Prabha Sanctuary lies on the Naugarh and Vijaigarh hillocks on the north slope of the Kaimur Range. 

The Kaimur Range is a part of the Vindhya Mountain Range and extends across parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh in India. The Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary benefits from its location within this range, as it offers diverse topography and landscapes, including hills, rocky terrain, and forests.