National Chambal Sanctuary UPSC
The National Chambal Sanctuary, also known as the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary, is a protected area located in northern India. It encompasses parts of the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, and is centered around the Chambal River.
The sanctuary was established with the primary objective of conserving the critically endangered gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), a species of crocodile, along with other aquatic wildlife. The Chambal River provides a crucial habitat for these reptiles, as well as for other endangered species such as the critically endangered Ganges river dolphin (Platanista gangetica) and the red-crowned roofed turtle (Batagur kachuga).
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National Chambal Sanctuary Location
The National Chambal Sanctuary is located in northern India, spanning across parts of three states: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The sanctuary is centered around the Chambal River, which flows through these states. The specific location and boundaries of the sanctuary are as follows:
Uttar Pradesh: The sanctuary starts near Etawah and extends downstream up to the Uttar Pradesh-Madhya Pradesh border.
Madhya Pradesh: The sanctuary begins at the Uttar Pradesh-Madhya Pradesh border and continues downstream until the Madhya Pradesh-Rajasthan border.
Rajasthan: The sanctuary commences at the Madhya Pradesh-Rajasthan border and concludes at Jawahar Sagar Sanctuary near Kota.
The National Chambal Sanctuary covers a significant stretch of the Chambal River and its surrounding areas in these three states, forming a protected region for the conservation of wildlife, especially the endangered gharials, dolphins, and other species inhabiting the river ecosystem.
How to reach National Chambal Sanctuary?
The National Chambal Sanctuary can be reached by various modes of transportation. Here are the nearest airport and railway station options for reaching the sanctuary:
Nearest Airport:
(1) Agra Airport: The nearest airport to the National Chambal Sanctuary is Agra Airport, also known as Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport or Agra Civil Enclave. It is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, which is approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) away from the sanctuary.
(2) Jaipur International Airport: Another option is Jaipur International Airport, located in Jaipur, Rajasthan. It is situated approximately 225 kilometers (140 miles) away from the sanctuary.
Nearest Railway Station:
(1) Etawah Railway Station: Etawah Railway Station, located in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, is the nearest railway station to the National Chambal Sanctuary. It is approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles) away from the sanctuary.
(2) Agra Cantt Railway Station: Agra Cantt Railway Station, located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, is another railway station that can be considered. It is around 70 kilometers (43 miles) away from the sanctuary.
National Chambal Sanctuary History
The National Chambal Sanctuary was established in 1979 with the primary objective of protecting the endangered gharial species. The sanctuary was initially named the "National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary." The Chambal River and its surrounding areas were recognized as crucial habitats for the gharials, along with other endangered aquatic species.
National Chambal Sanctuary Area
The National Chambal Sanctuary covers an approximate area of 5,400 square kilometers (2,100 square miles). It spans across parts of three states in northern India: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The sanctuary encompasses the Chambal River and its surrounding areas, including riverine forests, sandy beaches, and ravines.
The large area covered by the National Chambal Sanctuary allows for the preservation of a diverse range of habitats, supporting a rich biodiversity and providing ample space for wildlife to thrive.
National Chambal Sanctuary River
The National Chambal Sanctuary is centered around the Chambal River, which is the primary watercourse that runs through the sanctuary. The Chambal River is a major tributary of the Yamuna River, which itself is a tributary of the Ganges River. The river originates from the Vindhya Range in Madhya Pradesh and flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
The river's relatively clean and healthy waters, along with its sandy beaches, riverine forests, and rocky outcrops, provide suitable breeding grounds and feeding habitats for endangered species. The river also supports a rich birdlife, with over 320 species of resident and migratory birds recorded in the National Chambal Sanctuary.
National Chambal Sanctuary Flora
The National Chambal Sanctuary is characterized by a diverse range of flora that thrives in the various habitats found within the sanctuary. The flora of the sanctuary includes both terrestrial and aquatic plant species. Here are some of the notable flora found in the National Chambal Sanctuary:
(1) Riverine Forests:
Along the banks of the Chambal River, you can find riverine forests consisting of trees and shrubs adapted to the riparian habitat. Common tree species include Indian rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo), Indian banyan (Ficus benghalensis), babul (Acacia nilotica), and khejri (Prosopis cineraria).
(2) Dry Deciduous Forests:
In areas away from the river, the sanctuary features dry deciduous forests. These forests are characterized by trees that shed their leaves during the dry season. Prominent tree species in these forests include teak (Tectona grandis), sal (Shorea robusta), Indian laburnum (Cassia fistula), and mahua (Madhuca longifolia).
(3) Grasslands and Wetlands:
The sanctuary also includes grassland and wetland areas, which support a variety of grasses, sedges, and aquatic plants. These habitats are important for grazing species and provide nesting grounds for waterbirds. Species such as elephant grass (Saccharum spp.), phragmites (Phragmites karka), and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) can be found in these areas.
(4) Aquatic Vegetation:
The Chambal River and its tributaries harbor various aquatic plant species. These include submerged plants like waterweed (Elodea spp.), tape grass (Vallisneria spp.), and hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata). Floating plants like water lilies (Nymphaea spp.) and lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) are also found in calm waters and wetland areas.
National Chambal Sanctuary Fauna (National Chambal Sanctuary Animals)
The National Chambal Sanctuary is renowned for its diverse and rich fauna, which includes a wide range of species, particularly aquatic and avian wildlife. Here are some notable fauna found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Rhesus Macaque
- Hanuman Langur
- Golden Jackal
- Bengal Fox
- Common Palm Civet
- Small Asian Mongoose
- Indian Grey Mongoose
- Jungle Cat
- Wild Boar
- Sambar
- Nilgai
- Blackbuck
- Indian Gazelle
- Northern Palm Squirrel
- Indian Crested Porcupine
- Indian Hare
- Indian Flying Fox
- Indian Long-eared Hedgehog
Birds:
- Indian Skimmer
- Sarus Crane
- Pallas's Fish Eagle
- Indian Courser
- Pallid Harrier
- Lesser Flamingo
- Black-bellied Tern
- Red-crested Pochard
- Ferruginous Pochard
- Bar-headed Goose
- Great Thick-knee
- Greater Flamingo
- Darter
- Brown Boobook
Reptiles:
- Gharial
- Mugger Crocodile
- Red-crowned Roofed Turtle
- Indian Roofed Turtle
- Indian Flapshell Turtle
- Indian Python
- Russell's Viper
National Chambal Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. National Chambal Sanctuary in which state?/Where is National Chambal Sanctuary located?
A. The National Chambal Sanctuary is located in northern India and spans across parts of three states. These states are Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The sanctuary extends along the Chambal River, covering sections within each of these states.
Q. Is National Chambal Sanctuary a Ramsar site?
A. No.
Q. What is National Chambal Sanctuary famous for?
A. The National Chambal Sanctuary is famous for its conservation efforts and its unique and diverse wildlife. Here are some of the key reasons why the sanctuary is renowned:
(1) Gharials: The sanctuary is famous for being one of the prime habitats and breeding grounds for the critically endangered gharials (Gavialis gangeticus). Gharials are long-snouted crocodiles that are native to the Indian subcontinent, and the Chambal River provides a crucial sanctuary for their survival and conservation.
(2) Ganges River Dolphins: The sanctuary is also known for its population of Ganges river dolphins (Platanista gangetica). These highly endangered freshwater dolphins are found in the Chambal River and are known for their unique adaptations and ecological importance.
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