Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife 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.

Table of Contents Location History Area River Flora Fauna UPSC Questions

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.

Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora. Some general information about the types of flora that are commonly found in such riparian ecosystems.

(1) Riparian Vegetation:

Riparian zones, characterized by their proximity to water bodies, typically exhibit a unique assemblage of vegetation. These areas may feature trees, shrubs, grasses, and herbaceous plants that are adapted to thrive in moist or wet conditions.

(2) Riverine Trees:

Along the riverbanks of the Ganga River, you may find various species of trees such as peepal (Sacred fig), banyan, neem, sheesham (Indian rosewood), and various species of willows. These trees provide shade, stabilize the riverbanks, and contribute to the overall biodiversity of the sanctuary.

(3) Aquatic Plants:

Within the water bodies of the Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary, you may find different species of aquatic plants, including water hyacinth, lotus, water lilies, and various submerged plants. These plants play a crucial role in maintaining water quality, providing habitat for aquatic organisms, and acting as a food source for turtles and other animals.

Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife Sanctuary supports a diverse array of fauna. 

(1) Turtles:

As the name suggests, the sanctuary is particularly known for its turtle population. It serves as a vital habitat for various species of turtles, including the Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata), Indian softshell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica), Red-crowned Roofed Turtle, Three-striped Roofed Turtle, Indian Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle and various species of freshwater turtles. These turtles are often the focal point of conservation efforts within the sanctuary.

(2) Avian Species:

Riparian ecosystems provide excellent habitats for a wide range of bird species. In the Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary, you may encounter several bird species, including resident and migratory birds. Common avian species found in such areas include kingfishers, herons, egrets, ducks, cormorants, and various species of waders and waterfowl.

(3) Fish and Aquatic Life:

The Ganga River and its associated habitats within the sanctuary support a diverse aquatic ecosystem. Numerous fish species, such as Rohu, Tengra, Bhakur, catfish, carp, mahseer, and snakeheads, can be found in these waters. Additionally, the river and its banks provide habitat for amphibians, such as frogs and toads, and other aquatic organisms like crabs, mollusks, and insects.

Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Which is the first turtle sanctuary in India?/Which is the only turtle sanctuary in India?

A. Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife Sanctuary is the first turtle sanctuary in India.

Q. Which is the world's only protected area dedicated to fresh water turtles?

A. Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife Sanctuary is the world's only protected area dedicated to fresh water turtles.