Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve UPSC
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is a protected area located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The biosphere reserve is named after the Nanda Devi Peak (7,816 meters), which is the second highest mountain in India and lies within the reserve.
The reserve is divided into two core zones: the Nanda Devi National Park and the Valley of Flowers National Park. Both declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
It is known for its diverse and unique ecological features, including alpine meadows, high-altitude flora and fauna, glaciers, and numerous snow-capped peaks.
The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is also home to various endangered species, such as the snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer, and the Himalayan monal, making it a vital area for biodiversity conservation.
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Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve Location
The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is located in the northern part of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It encompasses the Nanda Devi National Park and the Valley of Flowers National Park of Uttarakhand.
The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is situated in the Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Western Himalayas, in the districts of Chamoli, Pithoragarh and Almora in Uttrakhand, India.
Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is the Jolly Grant Airport, also known as Dehradun Airport. It is located in Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand. From the airport, you can take a taxi or hire a private vehicle to reach the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The distance between the airport and the reserve is approximately 295 kilometers (183 miles), and it takes around 9-10 hours to travel by road.
Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is Rishikesh Railway Station. It is situated in Rishikesh, a town in Uttarakhand. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The distance between Rishikesh Railway Station and the reserve is approximately 275 kilometers (171 miles), and it takes around 9-10 hours to travel by road.
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve History
The history of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is closely linked to the cultural and ecological significance of the Nanda Devi region. Here are some key historical points related to the biosphere reserve:
1. Sacred Mountain: Nanda Devi has been revered as a sacred mountain in Hindu mythology for centuries. It is believed to be the abode of the goddess Nanda Devi, and pilgrims have been visiting the region to seek blessings and spiritual solace.
2. Exploration and Mountaineering: The Nanda Devi region gained attention from explorers and mountaineers in the 19th and 20th centuries. The first recorded attempt to climb Nanda Devi was made in 1883 by W.W. Graham, an Englishman. The peak was successfully scaled in 1936 by an Indo-British team led by Eric Shipton.
3. Establishment of Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers National Park: In 1982, the Indian government established the Nanda Devi National Park and Valley Of Flowers National Park to protect the unique ecological and cultural heritage of the area.
4. Formation of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve: In 1988, the Nanda Devi National Park, along with the Valley of Flowers National Park, was designated as the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve by Government of India. It was recognized for its unique ecological and cultural significance.
5. UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1988, the Nanda Devi National Park, along with the Valley of Flowers, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the criteria of "outstanding universal value." The recognition highlighted the park's exceptional floral diversity and its contribution to the conservation of rare and endangered species.
6. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: In 2004, the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve was established as a part of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program. The biosphere reserve was created to promote conservation, sustainable development, and research activities in the region.
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve Area
The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve covers an area of approximately 6407.03 square kilometers (2,472.02 square miles). This includes both the Nanda Devi National Park and the Valley of Flowers National Park, along with their surrounding buffer zones.
The area has a large altitudinal range (1,800 to 7,817 m) and is dominated by the peak of Nanda Devi.
The exact breakdown of the core, buffer, and transition zones within the biosphere reserve are:
- Core area(s): 712.12 Sq. Km. (Devi National Park (624 Sq. Km.) and Valley of Flowers National Park (88 Sq. Km.))
- Buffer zone(s): 5148.57 Sq. Km.
- Transition zone(s): 546.34 Sq. Km.
- Total: 6407.03 Sq. Km.
The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve area spread over in the districts of Chamoli, Pithoragarh and Almora in Uttrakhand, India. The breakdown of the district wise area within the biosphere reserve are:
- Chamoli- 3,387.07 Sq. Km.
- Pithoragarh- 1,312.85 Sq. Km.
- Almora- 706.11 Sq. Km.
- Total Area- 6,407.03 Sq. Km.
Restricted Access: The core zone of the biosphere reserve, which includes the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, is highly restricted and closed to most human activities. This helps preserve the fragile ecosystem and protect the biodiversity of the area.
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve Hills
The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is located in the Garhwal Himalayas, a mountain range in the Himalayan region of India. The reserve is surrounded by numerous hills that contribute to the stunning landscape and ecological diversity of the area.
While the biosphere reserve itself encompasses the Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks, it is surrounded by several prominent hills and peaks. Some of the notable hills near the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve include:
(1) Nanda Devi:
The biosphere reserve takes its name from the Nanda Devi peak, which is one of the highest mountains in India. Standing at an elevation of 7,816 meters (25,643 feet), it dominates the landscape and is an integral part of the biosphere reserve.
(2) Trishul:
Located to the southwest of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Trishul is a group of three peaks with the main peak reaching a height of 7,120 meters (23,359 feet). It forms an impressive backdrop to the region.
(3) Kamet:
Situated to the northwest of the biosphere reserve, Kamet is the second-highest mountain in the Garhwal Himalayas, standing at 7,756 meters (25,446 feet). It is a prominent feature of the surrounding landscape.
(4) Dunagiri:
Found to the east of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Dunagiri is a beautiful mountain peak with an elevation of 7,066 meters (23,179 feet). It adds to the scenic charm of the area.
(5) Kalanka:
Kalanka is a mountain peak with an elevation of 6,934 meters (22,749 feet). It is situated in the Gangotri group of peaks, located to the northwest of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. Kalanka offers a challenging climb and is a prominent feature in the mountainous landscape.
(6) Changbang:
Changbang is another notable peak in the Gangotri group, located near Kalanka. It has an elevation of 6,864 meters (22,516 feet). Changbang presents a formidable challenge to climbers and mountaineers due to its technical difficulties and remote location.
(7) Nanda Ghungti:
Nanda Ghungti is a mountain peak with an elevation of 6,368 meters (20,892 feet). It is part of the Garhwal Himalayas and lies to the southeast of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. Nanda Ghungti offers stunning views and attracts mountaineers and adventure enthusiasts.
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve River
The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is home to several rivers and their tributaries. These rivers play a vital role in the ecosystem and contribute to the overall biodiversity of the region. While there are numerous rivers and streams in and around the biosphere reserve, here are some significant rivers that flow through or near the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve:
(1) Alaknanda River:
The Alaknanda River is one of the major tributaries of the Ganges River. It originates from the Satopanth Glacier, which lies within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The Alaknanda River flows through the reserve and continues its journey downstream, joining the Bhagirathi River to form the Ganges at Devprayag.
(2) Dhauli Ganga River:
The Dhauli Ganga River is another important river in the region. It originates from the Niti Pass and flows through the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, eventually joining the Alaknanda River near Joshimath.
(3) Rishi Ganga River:
The Rishi Ganga River is a tributary of the Alaknanda River. It originates from the Rishi Ganga Glacier and flows through the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, adding to the water resources of the region.
(4) Pushpawati River:
The Pushpawati River is a significant river that flows through the Valley of Flowers National Park, which is part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The river originates from the glaciers and snowfields in the high mountains of the Garhwal Himalayas.
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve Lake
Within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, there are several lakes that contribute to the natural beauty and ecological significance of the region. While there are numerous lakes in the area, here are some notable lakes found within or in close proximity to the biosphere reserve:
(1) Roopkund Lake:
Roopkund Lake, also known as the Skeleton Lake, is a glacial lake located at an altitude of about 5,029 meters (16,499 feet) in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is situated within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, albeit towards its outer boundaries. The lake is famous for its skeletal remains visible in its shallow waters, believed to be the result of an ancient tragedy.
(2) Hemkund Lake:
Hemkund Lake, also known as Lokpal Lake, is a high-altitude glacial lake located at an elevation of around 4,329 meters (14,206 feet) within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. It is considered a sacred Sikh pilgrimage site and is surrounded by seven mountain peaks, known as the Hemkund Parvat.
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve Flora (Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve Forest Type)
The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is renowned for its rich and diverse flora, which is a result of its unique geographical location, varied altitude range, and protected status. The reserve encompasses different ecological zones, each with its distinct vegetation. Here are some key features of the flora found within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve:
(1) Alpine Meadows:
At higher elevations, above the treeline, the biosphere reserve is characterized by alpine meadows and grasslands. These meadows are adorned with a colorful array of alpine flowers, including primulas, gentians, anemones, and potentillas. They create a stunning carpet of vibrant hues during the summer months.
(2) Coniferous Forests:
In the lower elevations, the biosphere reserve is covered with dense coniferous forests. Dominant tree species include Deodar (Cedrus deodara), Blue Pine (Pinus wallichiana), and Silver Fir (Abies spectabilis). These forests provide habitat for various birds, mammals, and insects.
(3) Rhododendron Forests:
The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is also known for its rhododendron forests. These forests are particularly spectacular during the spring season when the rhododendron flowers bloom in various shades of red, pink, and white. Rhododendron arboreum and Rhododendron campanulatum are among the common species found here.
(4) Medicinal Plants:
The biosphere reserve is home to a wide range of medicinal plants that have been traditionally used by local communities for their healing properties. Some notable medicinal plants found in the region include Aconitum heterophyllum (Atis), Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki), and Valeriana jatamansi (Muskroot).
(5) Endemic and Rare Species:
The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is known for its high levels of endemism and houses several rare and endangered plant species. Some examples include Saussurea obvallata (Brahma Kamal), a beautiful Himalayan flower, and Taxus wallichiana (Himalayan Yew), a coniferous tree known for its medicinal value.
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve Fauna (Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve Animals)
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is famous for which animal?
The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is known for its rich and diverse fauna, encompassing a wide range of animal species. The reserve's varied ecosystems, including alpine meadows, forests, and high-altitude habitats, provide a suitable environment for a diverse array of wildlife.
Here are some notable fauna species found within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve:
Mammals:
- Snow Leopard
- Blue Sheep (Bharal)
- Musk Deer
- Himalayan Tahr
- Asiatic Black Bear
- Himalayan Brown Bear
Birds:
- Cheer Pheasant
- Himalayan Monal
- Koklass Pheasant
- Snow Partridge
- Himalayan Snowcock
Reptiles:
- Himalayan Pit Viper
- Banded Krait
- Himalayan Keelback
Top Things to do in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve offers a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. Here are some top things to do in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve:
- Trekking
- Explore the Valley of Flowers
- Wildlife Spotting
- Visit Villages and Interact with Local Communities
- Bird Watching
- Photography
- Visit Glacial Lakes (Roopkund Lake and Hemkund Lake)
- Experience Local Festivals and Cultural Events
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve located?/What is Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve for UPSC?/Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is located in which state?
A. The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is located in the northern part of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It encompasses the Nanda Devi National Park and the Valley of Flowers National Park of Uttarakhand.
Q. What is special about Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve?
A. The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is renowned for its exceptional natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance. Here are some of the key aspects that make the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve special:
(1) UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. It is recognized for its outstanding natural significance and exceptional ecological value.
(2) Unique Flora and Fauna: The biosphere reserve is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including rare and endemic species. The Valley of Flowers National Park, located within the reserve, is known for its incredible floral diversity, with numerous species of alpine flowers. The reserve also provides habitat for iconic species like the snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, and musk deer.
(3) High-altitude Ecosystems: The biosphere reserve encompasses a wide range of ecosystems, from alpine meadows to high-altitude forests. Its diverse terrain, including glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and deep valleys, supports a unique combination of flora and fauna adapted to the harsh mountain environment.
(4) Cultural Heritage: The region surrounding the biosphere reserve is inhabited by indigenous communities and tribes with rich cultural traditions and knowledge systems. The local communities have a deep spiritual and cultural connection with the land and maintain sustainable practices in harmony with nature.
(5) Trekking and Adventure Opportunities: The biosphere reserve offers excellent opportunities for trekking and adventure activities. Popular trekking routes, such as the Valley of Flowers trek and Nanda Devi Inner Sanctuary trek, provide breathtaking views of the Himalayas, glacial lakes, and high-altitude landscapes.
(6) Conservation Efforts: The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is a protected area that emphasizes conservation and sustainable management of its natural resources. Strict regulations and initiatives are in place to preserve the unique ecosystem and cultural heritage of the region.
(7) Scenic Beauty: The landscapes within the biosphere reserve are incredibly scenic, with majestic snow-clad peaks, lush meadows, cascading waterfalls, and pristine glacial lakes. The natural beauty of the region attracts nature lovers, photographers, and adventure enthusiasts from around the world.
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