Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
The Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Punjab, India. It is nestled in the foothills of the Shiwalik range and is known for its diverse ecosystem, including various flora and fauna.
The sanctuary boasts a range of plant and animal species, contributing to its ecological richness. It is home to various mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
The sanctuary serves as a critical habitat for numerous bird species, both resident and migratory. It is particularly known for providing refuge to migratory birds during their seasonal journeys.
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Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the city of Nangal, in the district of Rupnagar (also known as Ropar) in the state of Punjab, India. It is situated in the foothills of the Shiwalik range and is adjacent to the Nangal Dam and the Nangal Wetland.
Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
Chandigarh International Airport is the nearest airport to Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary. Distance from Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary is pproximately 84 kilometers (52 miles) via road.
Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
Nangal Dam Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary. The railway station is located in close proximity to Nangal.
Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary History
Diplomatic Milestone: The Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary stands as a witness to a momentous diplomatic event. In 1954, the sanctuary gained historic importance as it became the venue where the Indian and Chinese Prime Ministers formalized the "Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence." This diplomatic accord laid the foundation for peaceful relations and cooperation between the two nations.
Formation of Nangal Dam and Reservoir: A pivotal development in the sanctuary's history occurred in 1961 with the construction of the Nangal Dam, a prominent component of the Bhakra-Nangal Project. This dam, located on the Sutlej River, led to the creation of the Nangal Wetland within the sanctuary's boundaries. The reservoir formed by the dam played a crucial role in shaping the sanctuary's unique ecosystem.
Protected Forest Area: In the 1960s, a significant step was taken towards the conservation of the Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary. The forest area encompassing villages such as Brari, Hambewal, Bhabor Sahib, Dabheta, Talaura (Talwara), Khera Bhagh, and Swamipur Bagh was declared a Protected Forest. This declaration, made under the Punjab Government's Notification No. 2793-Ft(VII) 64/2415 dated 28/05/1964, laid the groundwork for the establishment of the sanctuary.
Establishment of Sanctuary: Amidst its historical significance, the Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary was formally established on 10th August 2009. This official declaration marked a pivotal step in the sanctuary's conservation journey, solidifying its role as a protected area dedicated to preserving both its rich biodiversity and its unique historical heritage.
Ramsar Recognition: In a landmark event on September 26, 2019, the Nangal Wetland achieved international recognition by being designated as a Ramsar Site (Ramsar Site No. 2407). This prestigious acknowledgment underscored the wetland's profound ecological importance.
Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary covers an approximate area of 2.90 km2. This area includes a mix of land and water, with a significant portion of it being the Nangal Dam reservoir, also known as the Nangal Wetland. This diverse landscape makes the sanctuary an important habitat for various flora and fauna, including numerous bird species, mammals, and aquatic life.
Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary River
The Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary is situated near the Sutlej River. The Sutlej River is one of the major rivers in the northern part of India and plays a significant role in shaping the ecosystem of the sanctuary.
The Nangal Dam, constructed on the Sutlej River, has created the Nangal Wetland within the sanctuary, contributing to the unique habitat and biodiversity of the area.
Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary Lake
The Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary is primarily associated with the Nangal Dam reservoir, which is often referred to as the Nangal Lake or Nangal Wetland. This human-made reservoir was created as part of the Bhakra-Nangal Project on the Sutlej River. The sanctuary encompasses a significant portion of this reservoir, which forms a large water body within the sanctuary's boundaries.
The Nangal Lake, or Nangal Wetland, serves as an essential habitat for various aquatic species and provides an important stopover for migratory birds. It plays a crucial role in water storage, purification, and other ecological functions.
Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora, contributing to its ecological richness. Here are some examples of the types of flora you can find within the sanctuary:
- Khair
- Shisham
- Subabul
- Sirish
- Neem
- Amb
- Dhak
- Krembal
- Mesquite
- Amla
- Arjun
- Bargad
- Kikar
- Chilbil
- Papri
- Pipal
Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
What animals are in the Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary?
Mammals:
- Smooth-coated Otter
- Jungle Cat
- Mongoose
Birds:
- Red Junglefowl
- Indian Cuckoo
- Shikra
- Yellow-eyed Babbler
- Crested Bunting
Reptiles:
- Indian Python
- Cobra
- Oriental Rat Snake
Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is the Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary situated?/Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary in which state?/Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary district
A. The Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the city of Nangal, which is located in the Rupnagar district (also known as Ropar) of the state of Punjab, India. It is nestled in the foothills of the Shiwalik range in northern India.
Q. Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary which river?
A. The Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary is located near the Sutlej River. The Sutlej River is one of the major rivers in northern India and flows through the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. The sanctuary's proximity to the Sutlej River and the Nangal Dam reservoir created as part of the Bhakra-Nangal Project contributes to the diverse ecosystem within the sanctuary.
Q. What is Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several notable aspects:
(i) Ecological Diversity: The sanctuary is renowned for its rich and diverse ecosystem, encompassing a variety of flora and fauna. It serves as a habitat for a range of species, including endangered and threatened ones, making it a significant center for biodiversity.
(ii) Avian Diversity: The sanctuary is particularly famous for its importance as a habitat for various bird species. It serves as a stopover and nesting ground for migratory birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatching and ornithological research.
(iii) Ramsar Site: A part of the Nangal Wetland, situated within the sanctuary, was designated as a Ramsar Site in 2019. This international recognition highlights its ecological significance as a wetland area of global importance, particularly for migratory birds.
(iv) Historical Significance: The sanctuary holds historical importance as the venue where the Indian and Chinese Prime Ministers formalized the "Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence" in 1954. This adds a unique layer of cultural and diplomatic significance to the sanctuary.
(v) Natural Beauty: The sanctuary's picturesque landscapes, including the Nangal Dam reservoir, offer scenic views and opportunities for nature enthusiasts and visitors to appreciate the beauty of the region.
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