Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary UPSC
The Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary, also popularly known as Narayan Sarovar Chinkara Sanctuary, is a protected area located in the state of Gujarat, India. It is a significant wildlife sanctuary that encompasses a variety of ecosystems, including desert, wetlands, and grasslands.
The sanctuary is named after the Narayan Sarovar, which is one of the five holy lakes in Hinduism and is considered sacred by devotees. The Narayan Sarovar Lake is considered holy by Hindus and is a place of pilgrimage. Devotees often visit the lake to take a dip in its waters, especially during religious festivals.
The Indian Gazelle and the Great Indian Bustard are the flagship species of the sanctuary. Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary was identified by the Wildlife Institute of India as a suitable place for reintroducing the Cheetah.
The sanctuary has all the three species of bustards- Great Indian Bustard, Houbara Bustard and Lesser Florican. Also the Black Partridge, a typical bird of desert habitat is found here.
The wetlands within the sanctuary attract a significant number of migratory birds, making it an important site for birdwatching and ornithology. Many species of migratory birds, as well as resident birds, can be spotted here.
The Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary is important for the conservation of the local biodiversity, particularly in the arid and semi-arid ecosystems. Efforts are made to protect and preserve the unique flora and fauna found in the region.
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Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary Location
The Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary is located near Narayan Sarovar in the Lakhpat taluka of Kutch district in the state of Gujarat, India. This sanctuary is located between Kori Creek and a mangrove forest. Specifically, it is situated in the westernmost part of the Kutch district, near the international border with Pakistan.
The sanctuary encompasses the area around the Narayan Sarovar Lake, one of the five holy lakes in Hinduism, which adds to its cultural and religious significance.
Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
Bhuj Airport (115 kms) is the nearest airport to the Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary. It is located in Bhuj, which is the district headquarters of Kutch and is approximately the closest major airport to reach the sanctuary.
Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
Bhuj Railway Station (115 kms) is the nearest railway station to the Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary. It is well-connected to major cities and towns across India through the Indian Railways network.
Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary History
The history of the Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary is intertwined with its cultural, religious, and ecological significance. Here's a brief overview of its history:
Cultural and Religious Significance: The sanctuary is named after the Narayan Sarovar, which is one of the five sacred lakes in Hinduism. It holds great religious importance for Hindus, and pilgrims often visit the lake to take a holy dip and offer prayers. The sanctity of the lake contributes to the establishment and preservation of the sanctuary.
Establishment: In 1981, the Government of Gujarat officially established the Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary as a protected area. The sanctuary was created with the primary goal of preserving the diverse flora and fauna found within its desert, wetlands, and grasslands.
Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary Area
Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 444 square kilometers (171.14 square miles). It encompasses a variety of ecosystems, including desert, wetlands, and grasslands, and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
The geological formations of the region have endowed it with rich mineral resources.
Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary Lake
The Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary is named after the Narayan Sarovar Lake, which is one of the five holy lakes in Hinduism. The lake is a central and significant feature of the sanctuary, both culturally and ecologically.
The Narayan Sarovar Lake holds immense religious importance for Hindus. It is considered one of the holy pilgrimage sites and is believed to have mythological and spiritual significance. Devotees often visit the lake to take a dip in its waters, especially during religious occasions and festivals.
The lake is not only culturally revered but also ecologically valuable. It contributes to the diverse ecosystems within the sanctuary, attracting a variety of bird species, including migratory birds.
Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary Flora
The Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora, adapted to its arid and semi-arid desert environment. Here are some examples of the types of flora that can be found within the sanctuary:
- Desi Baval
- Gorad
- Hermo
- Ber
- Pilu
- Thor
- Gando Baval
- Gugal
- Salai
- Ingorio
- Kerdo
- Carissa
Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary Fauna (Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary Animals)
Which animal is famous in Narayan Sarovar sanctuary?
The Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary supports a variety of fauna, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife, adapted to the arid and semi-arid desert environment. Here are some examples of the types of fauna that can be found within the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Indian Gazelle (Chinkara)
- Blackbuck
- Caracal
- Indian Wolf
- Ratel
- Desert Fox
- Hyena
- Desert Cat
- Porcupine
- Indian Pangolin
- Blue bull
- Mongoose
- Hare
Birds:
- Great Indian Bustard
- Lesser Florican
- Houbara Bustard
- Black Partridge
- Black Francolin
- Ortolan Bunting
- Pied Tit
- Lack Partridges
- Harriers
- Common Cranes
Reptiles:
- Indian Spiny-tailed Lizard
- Monitor Lizard
Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary located?/In which district Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary is situated?
A. The Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary is located in the Kutch district of the state of Gujarat, India. Kutch is a district known for its unique geographical features, including deserts, wetlands, and coastal areas. The sanctuary is situated in the westernmost part of the Kutch district, near the international border with Pakistan.
Q. When was the Narayan Sarovar Chinkara Sanctuary established in Gujarat?
A. The Narayan Sarovar Chinkara Sanctuary, also known as the Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary, was established in the state of Gujarat, India, on 12th October 1981.
Q. How far is Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary from Bhuj?
A. The distance between Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary and Bhuj, the district headquarters of Kutch in Gujarat, India, is approximately 135 kilometers (84 miles) by road. The driving distance can vary depending on the specific route taken and road conditions. It generally takes around 3 to 4 hours to travel by car from Bhuj to Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary.
Q. What is Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:
(i) Narayan Sarovar Lake: The sanctuary is named after the Narayan Sarovar Lake, which holds great religious significance for Hindus. It is considered one of the five holy lakes in Hinduism and is a place of pilgrimage and devotion.
(ii) Biodiversity: The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna adapted to the arid and semi-arid desert environment. It provides habitat for various species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and plants, making it an important site for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
(iii) Chinkara (Indian Gazelle): The sanctuary is known for its population of chinkara, also known as the Indian gazelle. These graceful animals roam the desert landscape and are a notable species within the sanctuary.
(iv) Migratory Birds: The wetlands within the sanctuary attract a variety of migratory birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. Visitors have the opportunity to observe a diverse array of avian species, including some that travel long distances during migration.
(v) Cultural and Spiritual Significance: The Narayan Sarovar Lake is considered sacred, and pilgrims visit the sanctuary to take a holy dip in its waters, especially during religious festivals.
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