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Source– This post is based on the article “Govt to re-review the Pong Dam eco-sensitive zone: CM Sukhu” published in “Hindustan Times” on 23rd December 2023.
Why in the News?
The Himachal Pradesh state government is reviewing eco-sensitive zone boundaries around Pong Dam to address challenges for locals and support agriculture activities during low water levels.
What are Eco Sensitive Zones?
1) Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) or Ecologically Fragile Areas (EFAs) are areas in India notified by the Ministry of Environment around protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
2) The objective of declaring an area as ESZ is to create some kind of “shock absorbers” to the protected areas by regulating and managing the activities around such areas.
| For more information on eco sensitive zones click here to read |
What is Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary?
| Aspect | Details |
| Location | 1) It is located in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. 2) It is also known as Pong Dam Reservoir or Pong Dam Lake. |
| Created in | The dam was created in 1975 and was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1983. |
| Ramsar site | The lake was declared as a Ramsar Site in 2002. |
| Rivers | 1) The lake is fed by the Beas River. 2) Its numerous perennial tributaries are Gaj, Neogal, Binwa, Uhl, Bangana, and Baner. |
| Vegetation | The sanctuary area is covered with tropical and subtropical forests. |
| Flora | Acacia, Jamun, Shisham, Mango, Mulberry, Ficus Kachnar, Amla, and Prunus. |
| Fauna | 1) It includes animals like Sambhar, Barking Deer, Wild Bear, Nilgai, Clawless Otter, and Leopards. 2) The lake’s flagship species is the Bar Headed Geese, with other prominent species including Eurasian Coot, Northern Pintail, Common Teal, Great Cormorant, GreyLag Goose, and more. |
Note- There is a Vulture Café in Pong wherein cattle carcass is dumped for Vultures.
UPSC Syllabus- Environment/Places in News
