Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the state of West Bengal, India. The sanctuary is known for its diverse wildlife and lush vegetation, including tropical evergreen and moist deciduous forests. It is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and nature lovers.
Visitors to the sanctuary can enjoy a tranquil boat ride on the Ichamati River, spot various bird species, including peacocks and woodpeckers, and observe a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, langurs, and snakes.
The presence of a children's park and a small zoo adds to its appeal as a destination for nature enthusiasts.
The best time to visit Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to March.
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Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Gangsara village on the banks of the Ichhamati River in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India.
This sanctuary is situated in Southeast Bengal, West Bengal, and is approximately 100 kilometers away from Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal.
It is easily accessible by road, rail, and air from various parts of the state and the country.
Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary is the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, which is located in Kolkata, West Bengal. This airport is approximately 100 kilometers away from the sanctuary.
Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary is the Kolkata Railway Station, also known as Howrah Junction, which is located in Kolkata. It is approximately 100 kilometers away from the sanctuary. Travelers can reach the sanctuary from Kolkata Railway Station by road, either by hiring a taxi or taking a bus to the nearest access points, such as Bongaon, and then continuing their journey to the sanctuary.
Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary History
Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary has a history that dates back to its establishment as a wildlife sanctuary in West Bengal, India. Here is a brief history of the sanctuary:
Foundation and Early Years: The history of the sanctuary begins in 1964 when efforts were made to introduce wildlife into the area. Fourteen chital (spotted deer) were released into the forest during this period, marking the initial steps towards its conservation and development as a wildlife habitat.
Declaration as a Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1980, Parmadan Forest was officially declared a wildlife sanctuary. At this point, it received its first formal recognition as a protected area by the government.
Renaming to Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary: The sanctuary underwent a significant change in 1995 when it was renamed as Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary (formerly Parmadan Forest). This renaming was done in honor of the renowned Bengali author Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, who was known for his deep connection to nature and his literary contributions that celebrated the beauty of the natural world.
Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 0.68 square kilometers (or 68 hectares). This sanctuary is relatively small in size but is rich in biodiversity, making it an important conservation area in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India.
Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary River
The Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the banks of the Ichhamati River. The Ichhamati River runs through the sanctuary, adding to its natural beauty and providing a water source for the flora and fauna within the sanctuary.
Visitors to the sanctuary can enjoy boat rides on the Ichhamati River, which allows them to experience the serene and picturesque surroundings while observing the wildlife and vegetation along the riverbanks.
The river plays a vital role in the ecosystem of the sanctuary and enhances its overall appeal as a natural sanctuary for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.
Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary boasts a rich and diverse flora, comprising various tree species and vegetation typical of tropical evergreen and moist deciduous forests. Here are some of the notable flora species found within the sanctuary:
Sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo): Sissoo is a deciduous tree commonly found in the Indian subcontinent. It is known for its valuable timber and provides shade and habitat for various wildlife.
Minjiri: Minjiri is another tree species native to the region and is often found in forested areas of West Bengal.
Tut (Morus indica): Tut is a type of mulberry tree that grows in the sanctuary. Its leaves are a food source for some wildlife species.
Arjun (Terminalia arjuna): Arjun is a large deciduous tree known for its medicinal properties. It is often found near water bodies like rivers.
Shimul (Bombax ceiba): Shimul, also known as the silk cotton tree, is a prominent tree species in the sanctuary. It produces vibrant red flowers and is important for the local ecosystem.
Shishir (Dalbergia latifolia): Shishir, or Indian rosewood, is another valuable timber tree that can be found in the sanctuary.
Bamboo: Various bamboo species are likely present in the sanctuary. Bamboo is not only a key component of the flora but also serves as a habitat and food source for many wildlife species.
Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
The Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna. Here are some of the notable wildlife species that can be found within the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Spotted Deer
- Langurs
- Monkeys
Birds:
- Peafowl
- Lineated Barbet
- Woodpeckers
- Sankhacheel
- Nilkhantha
- Plum-headed Parakeet
Reptiles:
- King Cobra
- Rat Snake
- Russell’s Viper
- Common Krait
Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the district of?
A. Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India. This district is situated in the eastern part of the state, bordering Bangladesh, and the sanctuary is within this district's jurisdiction.
Q. How to reach Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. To reach Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India, you can use a combination of transportation options, including air, rail, and road. Here's how to reach the sanctuary:
By Air:
The nearest airport to Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary is the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, West Bengal. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take public transportation to reach the sanctuary. The airport is approximately 100 kilometers away from the sanctuary.
By Rail:
The nearest major railway station is Kolkata Railway Station (Howrah Junction), which is also about 100 kilometers away from the sanctuary. You can take a train to Kolkata and then continue your journey to the sanctuary by road.
By Road:
The sanctuary is well-connected by road, and you can reach it by using the road network. Here's a general route:
- First, make your way to Bongaon, which is a town located in the North 24 Parganas district.
- From Bongaon, you can take a local bus or hire a taxi to reach the sanctuary. It's approximately 25 kilometers from Bongaon to the sanctuary.
Q. Which is the nearest railway station to Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. The nearest railway station to Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary is Kolkata Railway Station, also known as Howrah Junction. This major railway station is located in Kolkata, West Bengal, and it is approximately 100 kilometers away from the sanctuary. From Kolkata Railway Station, you can continue your journey to the sanctuary by road, either by hiring a taxi or taking a bus to the nearest access points, such as Bongaon, and then proceeding to the sanctuary.
Q. What is the Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:
(i) Rich Biodiversity: The sanctuary is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna. It provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including spotted deer, langurs, peafowls, and numerous bird species. It is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
(ii) Natural Beauty: The sanctuary is situated along the banks of the Ichhamati River, and its picturesque surroundings offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region. Boat rides on the Ichhamati River provide a serene and scenic experience.
(iii) Tourist Attractions: In addition to its wildlife and natural beauty, the sanctuary offers facilities like a children's park, a small zoo, and a tourist lodge managed by the forest department. These amenities enhance the visitor experience.
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