Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Jharkhand, India. It is named after Parasnath Hill, which is the highest mountain in the state and is considered a sacred place for Jains. The sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna.
The sanctuary is home to a variety of plant species, including sal, bamboo, shisham, mahua, and various medicinal plants. The sanctuary provides habitat to numerous wildlife species, including several endangered and rare animals such as the Indian elephant, Indian leopard, sloth bear, sambar deer, wild boar, and various species of reptiles and birds.
Apart from its ecological importance, the sanctuary holds religious significance for Jains due to the presence of the Parasnath Hill, which is considered to be one of the most sacred places in Jainism. It is believed to be the place where 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism, Parshvanath, attained enlightenment.
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Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Giridih district of Jharkhand, India. The sanctuary encompasses the Parasnath Hill, which is the highest mountain in the state.
The sanctuary is situated in the eastern part of India, in the Chotanagpur Plateau region. The nearest major city to the sanctuary is Giridih, which serves as a gateway for visitors to explore the wildlife and natural beauty of the area.
Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary is the Birsa Munda Airport, also known as Ranchi Airport. It is located in Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand, and is approximately 180 kilometers (about 112 miles) away from the sanctuary. From Ranchi Airport, you can take a taxi or use other means of transportation to reach Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary.
Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
Regarding the nearest railway station, the one closest to Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary is the Parasnath Railway Station itself. It is named after the Parasnath Hill and serves as the main railway station to access the sanctuary. The Parasnath Railway Station is well connected to various major cities in India, making it convenient for visitors to travel to the sanctuary by train.
Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary History
Establishment of Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary: Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1984 by the erstwhile State of Bihar under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Religious Importance: The sanctuary encompasses the Parasnath Hill, also known as Sammet Shikhar, which is the highest mountain in Jharkhand. The Parasnath Hill holds immense religious significance, particularly for the Jain community. It is believed to be the place where the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism, Lord Parshvanath, attained enlightenment. Consequently, the region became an important pilgrimage site for Jains, attracting devotees from various parts of the country.
Conservation and Protection of Biodiversity: The primary objective of establishing Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary was to conserve and protect the rich biodiversity and natural habitats of numerous plant and animal species in the area. The sanctuary's creation aimed to ensure the preservation of the region's unique wildlife and its importance as an ecological hotspot.
Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Notification: In 2019, the Government of India, in consultation with the State Government of Jharkhand, took an important step in safeguarding the ecological balance around Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary. Under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the government notified an Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the sanctuary. The ESZ designation ensures that specific restrictions and regulations are in place to protect the environment and prevent harmful activities that could potentially endanger the sanctuary's flora and fauna.
Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 49.33 square kilometers (approximately 19.05 square miles).
The sanctuary area encompasses the Parasnath Hill, which is the highest mountain in Jharkhand and holds religious significance for the Jain community. It provides a diverse and vital habitat for various plant and animal species, contributing to the region's ecological balance and biodiversity conservation.
Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary Hills
Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the Parasnath Hill, which is also known as Sammet Shikhar. The sanctuary gets its name from this significant hill. Parasnath Hill is the highest mountain in the state of Jharkhand, India, with an elevation of about 1,366 meters (approximately 4,482 feet) above sea level.
The Parasnath Hill holds immense religious importance, especially for the Jain community. According to Jain beliefs, it is considered one of the most sacred places in Jainism because it is believed to be the site where the 23rd Tirthankara, Lord Parshvanath, attained enlightenment and attained nirvana (liberation) from the cycle of birth and death.
Due to its religious significance, the Parasnath Hill attracts Jain pilgrims from various parts of India, who come to pay their respects and seek spiritual blessings. The hilltop is adorned with numerous Jain temples and shrines dedicated to Lord Parshvanath and other Tirthankaras, making it a significant pilgrimage destination for followers of Jainism.
Apart from its religious importance, the Parasnath Hill is surrounded by the Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which provides a protected habitat for a diverse range of plant and animal species. The sanctuary's unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes it an attractive destination for both nature enthusiasts and pilgrims alike.
Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora, with various plant species inhabiting the region. The sanctuary's vegetation includes both tropical dry deciduous and tropical moist deciduous forests, which contribute to its ecological richness.
Some of the prominent flora found in Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary are:
Sal (Shorea robusta): Sal is a dominant tree species in the sanctuary. It is known for its strong and durable wood and is one of the essential timber-yielding trees in India.
Bamboo (Bambusoideae): Bamboo species are common in the sanctuary. They are fast-growing, woody grasses and have multiple uses, including as a building material, food source, and for handicrafts.
Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo): Shisham, also known as Indian rosewood, is a deciduous tree with dark, durable wood, often used for furniture and various woodcrafts.
Mahua (Madhuca longifolia): The Mahua tree is valued for its edible flowers, seeds, and oil, which are used in traditional medicine and various culinary purposes.
Semal (Bombax ceiba): Semal, also known as the silk cotton tree, is a tall deciduous tree with striking red flowers and a distinctive trunk.
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula): Haritaki is an important medicinal tree in Ayurveda and is known for its various health benefits.
Amaltas (Cassia fistula): Also called the golden shower tree, Amaltas bears beautiful yellow flowers and is widely planted as an ornamental tree.
Amla (Phyllanthus emblica): Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is a small deciduous tree known for its antioxidant-rich fruit used in traditional medicine and culinary applications.
Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Which animals are found in Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary?
Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a rich variety of fauna, including several mammal, bird, reptile, and amphibian species. The diverse habitats within the sanctuary, ranging from forests to grasslands, provide suitable conditions for numerous wildlife species to thrive.
Some of the notable fauna found in Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary include:
Mammals:
- Indian Elephant
- Indian Leopard
- Sloth Bear
- Sambar Deer
- Barking Deer
- Nilgai
- Wild Boar
- Indian Giant Flying Squirrel
- Indian Pangolin
- Rhesus Macaque
- Hanuman Langur
- Indian Grey Mongoose
- Jungle Cat
- Porcupine
- Hyaena
Birds:
- Indian Peafowl
- Indian Roller
- Black Kite
- Asian Paradise Flycatcher
- Indian Pitta
- Crested Serpent Eagl
- Common Kingfisher
- Indian Robin
Reptiles:
- Indian Rock Python
- Indian Cobra
- Common Indian Monitor
- Indian Rat Snake
- Indian Chameleon
- Indian Garden Lizard
Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. In which state is the Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Jharkhand, India. The sanctuary is situated in the Giridih district of Jharkhand, which is in the eastern part of the country. It is named after the Parasnath Hill, which is the highest mountain in Jharkhand and is considered a sacred place for the Jain community.
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