Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Maharana Pratap Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. It encompasses the area around the Pong Dam reservoir, which was created by the construction of the Pong Dam on the Beas River.
The sanctuary is known for its diverse ecosystem, including wetlands, grasslands, and forested areas, which provide a habitat for various species of flora and fauna. The Pong Dam Lake is a significant water body and an important stopover point for migratory birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatching.
Some of the wildlife species found in the sanctuary include migratory waterbirds like bar-headed geese, northern pintails, common teals, and black-headed gulls. The area is also home to resident bird species such as sarus cranes, various species of vultures, and waterfowl.
The sanctuary provides a critical refuge for these bird species, especially during the winter months when they migrate from colder regions. Additionally, the sanctuary supports a range of terrestrial wildlife, including leopards, barking deer, sambar deer, and wild boars.
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Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The sanctuary encompasses the area around the Pong Dam reservoir, which was created by the construction of the Pong Dam on the Beas River.
Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is the Kangra Airport, also known as Gaggal Airport. It is situated near the town of Gaggal in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, India. The airport is approximately 55-60 kilometers away from the sanctuary.
Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest major railway station to the Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is the Pathankot Junction Railway Station, located in Pathankot city of Punjab, India. It is about 110-120 kilometers away from the sanctuary. From Pathankot, you can further travel by road to reach the sanctuary.
Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary History
What is the history of Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary?
The Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Maharana Pratap Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, has an interesting history related to its establishment and development:
Construction of Pong Dam (1975): In 1975, Pong Dam was constructed across the Beas River, giving rise to what is also known as the Pong reservoir or the Maharana Pratap Sagar Dam. The dam served various purposes, including irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and water supply to the region.
Declaration as Wildlife Sanctuary (1983): The significance of the area became evident when, in 1983, the Himachal Pradesh government designated the entire reservoir and its surrounding region as a Wildlife Sanctuary. This move marked a crucial step toward the conservation and protection of the diverse flora and fauna in the area.
Wetland of National Importance (1994): The recognition of the Pong Dam Lake's ecological importance continued to grow, leading to its designation as a "Wetland of National Importance" by the Government of India in 1994. This recognition underscored the critical role of the wetland ecosystem in supporting various species and maintaining environmental balance.
Ramsar Site Designation (2002): The Pong Dam Lake achieved international recognition for its ecological significance when it was declared a Ramsar Site in November 2002. The Ramsar designation affirmed the global importance of the site as a wetland of significance for biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable use.
Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across an approximate area of 450 square kilometers (174 square miles). This larger area includes both the water body of the Pong Dam reservoir and the surrounding terrestrial and wetland habitats.
Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary River
The Pong Dam Lake, which is the central feature of the Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, is indeed fed by the Beas River, as well as several perennial tributaries. Some of the significant tributaries that contribute to the water flow and ecosystem of the Pong Dam Lake include:
- Gaj River
- Neogal River
- Binwa River
- Uhl River
- Bangana River
- Baner River
These tributaries play a crucial role in maintaining the water levels and supporting the biodiversity within the Pong Dam Lake and its surrounding sanctuary. The water from these rivers and tributaries contributes to the habitat for various aquatic species, as well as the wetlands and vegetation that flourish in the area.
Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary Lake
The Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is centered around the Pong Dam reservoir. The reservoir, also referred to as Pong Dam Lake, is a significant water body created by the construction of the Pong Dam on the Beas River in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
Pong Dam Lake is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in India and covers a substantial area, providing habitat for a variety of aquatic life, migratory birds, and other wildlife. The lake's water levels can fluctuate based on seasonal changes and water management practices. It is an essential stopover for numerous migratory bird species during their winter migration.
The sanctuary's location around the Pong Dam Lake makes it a critical conservation area, not only for its aquatic biodiversity but also for the surrounding wetlands, grasslands, and terrestrial habitats that support a wide range of flora and fauna. Visitors to the sanctuary can enjoy birdwatching, boating, and other activities while appreciating the natural beauty of the lake and its surroundings.
Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The sanctuary area is covered with tropical and subtropical forests. The presence of tropical and subtropical forests in the sanctuary creates a rich and diverse habitat for various wildlife species. The combination of different tree species contributes to the overall ecological balance and provides food and shelter for animals.
Here is a list of tree species found in the Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Eucalyptus
- Acacia
- Jamun (Black Plum)
- Shisham (Indian Rosewood)
- Mango
- Mulberry
- Ficus
- Kachnar
- Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
- Prunus (Cherries and Plums)
Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
The Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse array of fauna, including both resident and migratory species. Here is a list of some of the notable animals that can be found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Leopard
- Barking Deer
- Sambar Deer
- Wild Boar
- Indian Fox
- Himalayan Palm Civet
- Indian Hare
- Common Langur
- Nilgai
- Oriental Small-clawed Otters
Birds:
(i) Migratory Waterbirds (During Winter Migration)
- Bar-headed Geese
- Northern Pintails
- Common Teals
- Black-headed Gulls
- Common Pochards
- Gadwalls
(ii) Resident and Other Birds:
- Sarus Crane
- Oriental Honey Buzzard
- Egyptian Vulture
- Himalayan Griffon Vulture
- Indian Peafowl
- Indian Roller
- White-throated Kingfisher
- Pied Kingfisher
- Indian Cormorant
Reptiles:
- Indian Rock Python
- Common Monitor Lizard
- Indian Cobra
- Common Krait
Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary situated?
A. The Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is specifically located around the Pong Dam reservoir, which was created by the construction of the Pong Dam on the Beas River. The sanctuary encompasses the area surrounding the reservoir, including wetlands, grasslands, and forested regions. The exact coordinates of the sanctuary are approximately:
Q. Is Pong Dam a Ramsar site?
A. Yes, the Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is designated as a Ramsar site. It was declared a Ramsar site on November 28, 2002. The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty focused on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, and Ramsar sites are recognized for their ecological importance, particularly for the habitat they provide for waterbirds.
Q. What is Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Maharana Pratap Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, is famous for several reasons:
(i) Migratory Birds: The sanctuary is renowned for being a critical stopover and wintering ground for a wide variety of migratory birds. Thousands of migratory waterbirds, including species like bar-headed geese, northern pintails, common teals, and black-headed gulls, visit the sanctuary during their annual migration, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
(ii) Biodiversity: The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, both aquatic and terrestrial. Its varied habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and forests, support a wide array of species, making it an important area for biodiversity conservation.
(iii) Ramsar Site: The sanctuary's designation as a Ramsar site highlights its global importance as a wetland ecosystem. Ramsar sites are recognized for their role in maintaining ecological balance and providing habitat for waterbirds, making Pong Dam Lake a significant site within this international conservation framework.
(iv) Eco-Tourism: The sanctuary attracts eco-tourists and nature lovers who visit to experience the natural beauty, observe wildlife, and engage in activities such as birdwatching, boating, and photography.
(v) Conservation Efforts: Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary showcases conservation efforts to protect wetland ecosystems, migratory bird species, and the overall environment. These efforts involve collaboration between local communities, government agencies, and conservation organizations.
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