Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Kapilasa Wildlife Sanctuary, is a protected area located in the state of Odisha, India. It is known for its scenic beauty, diverse landscapes, and religious significance.
Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary holds great religious significance due to the presence of a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The ancient Kapilash Temple, located atop Kapilash Hill within the sanctuary, attracts devotees from across the state and nearby regions. It is often referred to as the 'Kailash of Odisha.'
The sanctuary has taken steps to promote conservation, including the establishment of a science park and a Gharial breeding center. These initiatives contribute to wildlife education and conservation in the region.
In recent years, efforts have been made to develop ecotourism in the sanctuary. Eco-cottages and boating facilities have been introduced to enhance the visitor experience. The sanctuary's natural beauty and religious significance make it a destination for pilgrims, nature enthusiasts, and wildlife lovers.
|
Table of Contents
|
Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Dhenkanal district of Odisha, India. It is situated in the Chota Nagpur Plateau region of Central Odisha. The sanctuary is surrounded by the Eastern Ghats, making it a picturesque and ecologically diverse region.
Dhenkanal is the nearest town to the sanctuary, located about 21 kilometers away, and it is well-connected by road.
Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary is Biju Patnaik Airport, which is located approximately 50 kilometers (about 31 miles) away from the sanctuary. Biju Patnaik Airport is situated in the city of Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, and it serves as the primary airport for the region.
Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary is Sambalpur Railway Station, also known as Sambalpur Junction. Sambalpur Railway Station is well-connected by rail and serves as a transportation hub in the region. It is connected to major cities like Howrah and Cuttack, making it a convenient option for those traveling to the sanctuary by train.
Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary History
Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary is a relatively new wildlife sanctuary in the Dhenkanal district of Odisha, India. Here's a brief overview of its history and establishment:
Establishment: Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary was officially designated as a wildlife sanctuary on March 31, 2011. This notification marked its establishment as a protected area for the conservation of biodiversity and the preservation of its natural habitats.
Religious Significance: The region's history is intertwined with great religious significance, marked by a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva in Kapilash. This ancient temple draws devotees not only from the local area but also from across the state and nearby regions, making it a revered pilgrimage site throughout the year. It is often referred to as the 'Kailash of Odisha,' this temple adds a spiritual dimension to the sanctuary's cultural and natural heritage.
Science Park and Gharial Breeding Center: The sanctuary caters to the interests of wildlife enthusiasts by housing a science park within its bounds. This educational facility provides insights into the diverse flora and fauna of the region while fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.
Additionally, the sanctuary has taken proactive steps in wildlife conservation by establishing a Gharial breeding center. This initiative plays a crucial role in the preservation of the critically endangered Gharial, a species of crocodile found in the Indian subcontinent.
Zoo and Boating Experience: At the base of the Kapilash hill, a zoo has been thoughtfully established to enhance the visitor experience. This zoo offers a captivating array of wildlife species, allowing visitors to get up close to various animals.
Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Declaration: In addition to being declared a wildlife sanctuary, Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary was also designated as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. This ESZ declaration occurred through a draft gazette notification on July 4, 2014, and it extended the protected area to cover a larger region surrounding the sanctuary.
Tourism Development: Over the years, the government of Odisha has shown interest in developing Kapilasa Wildlife Sanctuary into a tourist hub. This interest in tourism development was expressed in 2016 as part of the state's broader efforts to harness and showcase its natural resources.
Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 125.5 square kilometers (48 square miles). The sanctuary is known for its diverse landscapes, including dense forests, hills, and abundant wildlife, making it an important conservation area in the region.
Kapilasa Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Kapilasa Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Dhenkanal district of Odisha, India, is home to a rich diversity of flora. The sanctuary's flora includes a variety of tree species, shrubs, herbs, and other plant life.
Here are some of the notable plant species found in Kapilasa Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Sal (Shorea robusta)
- Amla (Phyllanthus emblica)
- Asan (Terminalia tomentosa)
- Bela (Aegle marmelos)
- Bija (Pterocarpus marsupium)
- Dhaura (Anogeissus latifolia)
- Kadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba)
- Kanchan (Bauhinia variegata)
- Kangara (Dipterocarpus indicus)
- Karanja (Pongamia pinnata)
- Kasi (Ficus religiosa)
- Kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon)
- Kurum (Acacia leucophloea)
- Kusum (Schleichera oleosa)
- Mahul (Madhuca indica)
- Mango (Mangifera indica)
- Mundi (Strychnos nux-vomica)
- Phasi (Butea monosperma)
- Sidha (Terminalia alata)
- Simul (Bombax ceiba)
- Teak (Tectona grandis)
Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Which animal is Kapilash wildlife sanctuary famous for?
Mammals:
- Asian Elephant
- Fox
- Jackal
- Grey Langur
- Indian Crested Porcupine
- Indian Giant Squirrel
- Sambar Deer
- Striped Hyaena
- Wild Boar
Birds:
- Indian Peafowl
- Eagles
- Hawks
- Vultures
- Partridges
- Owls
- Woodpeckers
- Pigeons
- Doves
- Kingfishers
- Sunbirds
- Babblers
- Bulbuls
- Flycatchers
- Warblers
- Thrushes
- Drongos
Reptiles:
- Gharial
- Lizards
- Snakes
Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. When was Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary established?
A. Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Dhenkanal district of Odisha, India, was officially established as a wildlife sanctuary on March 31, 2011. This designation marked its establishment as a protected area for the conservation of biodiversity and the preservation of its natural habitats.
Q. What is Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Kapilasa Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Dhenkanal district of Odisha, India, is famous for several reasons:
(i) Religious Significance: The sanctuary is renowned for its great religious significance. It houses a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva on Kapilash Hill, which is considered sacred by devotees. The temple is often referred to as the 'Kailash of Odisha' and attracts pilgrims from across the state and nearby areas throughout the year.
(ii) Cultural and Spiritual Heritage: The presence of the ancient Kapilash Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva adds a cultural and spiritual dimension to the sanctuary. The temple, perched atop Kapilash Hill, is an important pilgrimage site.
(iii) Natural Beauty: The sanctuary is celebrated for its natural beauty, characterized by picturesque hills, dense forests, and diverse landscapes. The Eastern Ghats surrounding the sanctuary contribute to its scenic charm.
(iv) Wildlife Diversity: Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife species, including Asian elephants, foxes, jackals, langurs, porcupines, giant squirrels, peafowls, sambar deer, striped hyenas, wild boars, and various bird species. This diverse fauna makes it an attractive destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
(v) Conservation Efforts: The sanctuary has taken steps to promote conservation, including the establishment of a science park and a Gharial breeding center. These initiatives contribute to wildlife education and the preservation of the critically endangered Gharial species.
(vi) Ecotourism: Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary has been developing ecotourism facilities to offer visitors an opportunity to explore and appreciate its natural and cultural heritage. Eco-cottages and boating facilities have been introduced to enhance the visitor experience.
(vii) Environmental Significance: The sanctuary's Eastern Highlands moist deciduous forest ecoregion is ecologically significant and contributes to the conservation of this habitat type within the region.
No comments:
Post a Comment