Harike Wildlife Sanctuary

Harike Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Harike Wildlife Sanctuary is a significant protected area in the Indian state of Punjab. It is located at the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers. The sanctuary is known for its diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, marshes, and shallow water bodies.

Harike Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. It serves as a crucial habitat for numerous bird species, including both resident and migratory birds. Migratory birds from different parts of the world visit the sanctuary during the winter months, making it a significant site for birdwatching and ornithological research.

The sanctuary's wetland ecosystems support a variety of aquatic vegetation, including submerged, floating, and emergent plants. These plants contribute to the overall biodiversity of the area and provide important habitat for various aquatic species.

Table of Contents Harike Wildlife Sanctuary Location Harike Wildlife Sanctuary History Harike Wildlife Sanctuary Area Harike Wildlife Sanctuary River Harike Wildlife Sanctuary Lake Harike Wildlife Sanctuary Flora Harike Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna Mammals Birds Reptile Harike Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Harike Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Harike Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers in the northern Indian state of Punjab. The sanctuary spans parts of the Tarn Taran, Ferozepur and Kapurthala districts. The geographical coordinates of the sanctuary are approximately:

The sanctuary is situated near the town of Harike, which is also sometimes referred to as "Hari-ke-Pattan." It is well-known for its wetland ecosystems and its significance as a habitat for migratory and resident bird species. 

Harike Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest major airport to Harike Wildlife Sanctuary is the Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar, Punjab. It is located at a distance of approximately 124 kilometers from the sanctuary. This airport serves both domestic and international flights.

Harike Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

 Ferozepur Cantt Railway Station is one of the nearest railway stations to Harike Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located in Ferozepur, Punjab, at a distance of around 47 kilometers from the sanctuary.

Harike Wildlife Sanctuary History

The rich history of Harike Wildlife Sanctuary is a tapestry woven with ecological transformation, cultural significance, and international conservation accolades.

Ancient Roots and Cultural Significance: Embedded in the region's past, Harike's confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers holds ancient cultural roots, earning the name "Hari-ke-Pattan." A place of spiritual pilgrimage, it resonates with echoes of historical reverence.

Establishment: Harike's landscape underwent a remarkable ecological metamorphosis, fostering wetlands, marshes, and shallow water bodies. Recognizing its ecological value, the sanctuary was officially established as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1999. This marked the inception of dedicated conservation endeavors, focused on safeguarding the sanctuary's diverse ecosystems.

Ramsar Designation: Transcending national borders, Harike Wildlife Sanctuary garnered international acclaim. In a seminal recognition in 1990, the International Body of Wetlands, operating under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), bestowed the sanctuary with the prestigious Ramsar site designation. This acknowledgement underscores Harike's stature as a vital international wetland.

Harike Wildlife Sanctuary Area

Harike Wildlife Sanctuary covers an approximate area of around 86 square kilometers (33 square miles). This area includes a diverse range of ecosystems such as wetlands, marshes, shallow water bodies, and associated terrestrial habitats. 

Harike Wildlife Sanctuary River

Harike Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at the confluence of two major rivers in Punjab, India:

(1) Beas River:

The Beas River is one of the two rivers that converge at Harike. It is a major river in North India, originating in the Himalayas and flowing through the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab before eventually joining the Sutlej River at the Harike confluence.

(2) Sutlej River:

The Sutlej River is the other river that meets the Beas River at Harike. It is another important river originating in Tibet and flowing through the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.

The confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers at Harike forms a unique wetland ecosystem that attracts a wide variety of flora and fauna, including numerous bird species, making it an important wildlife habitat and a site of ecological significance.

Harike Wildlife Sanctuary Lake

Harike Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a significant wetland area, which includes a lake formed by the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers. This lake, often referred to as Harike Lake or Harike Reservoir, is a prominent feature of the sanctuary's landscape. It is one of the largest wetland ecosystems in northern India and serves as a vital habitat for various aquatic and avian species.

The formation of Harike Lake is a result of the Beas and Sutlej rivers merging at the sanctuary. The convergence of these two rivers leads to the creation of a sprawling water body that includes shallow waters, marshes, and associated wetland habitats.

Harike Lake plays a crucial role in providing habitat for both resident and migratory bird species. During the winter months, the lake becomes a haven for numerous migratory birds that travel along the Central Asian Flyway. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts often visit the sanctuary to observe and study these avian visitors.

The lake and its surrounding wetlands contribute to the overall biodiversity of the Harike Wildlife Sanctuary. They support a variety of aquatic plants, fish species, and other wildlife that rely on these habitats for their survival. Conservation efforts are in place to protect and preserve the delicate balance of this ecosystem.

Harike Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

Harike Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by a diverse range of flora, particularly in its wetland and aquatic ecosystems. The sanctuary's flora plays a crucial role in supporting its various wildlife species, providing food, shelter, and breeding grounds. 

Here are some of the notable types of flora that can be found in Harike Wildlife Sanctuary:

(1) Aquatic Plants:

The wetlands and shallow waters of Harike Lake support a variety of aquatic plants, including submerged, floating, and emergent species. These plants contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem and provide important habitat for fish, amphibians, and waterfowl.

(2) Reeds and Grasses:

Tall reeds and grasses thrive in the marshy areas of the sanctuary. These plants stabilize the shoreline, offer nesting sites for birds, and provide cover for various aquatic animals.

(3) Water Lilies and Lotuses:

Floating water lilies and lotuses are a common sight in the sanctuary's water bodies. These plants not only add beauty to the landscape but also serve as important food sources for certain species of birds and herbivorous animals.

(4) Riparian Vegetation:

The vegetation along the banks of the Beas and Sutlej rivers includes trees like Kikar (Acacia nilotica), Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo), and Eucalyptus. These trees provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and other animals.

(5) Grasses and Herbs:

Various grasses and herbaceous plants are found in the terrestrial habitats surrounding the wetlands. These plants provide forage for herbivores and support the overall biodiversity of the area.

Harike Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Harike Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

Harike Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a rich variety of fauna, including both resident and migratory species. The diverse wetland ecosystems of the sanctuary provide essential habitat for numerous animals, making it a significant area for wildlife conservation and observation. 

Here are some of the notable types of fauna found in Harike Wildlife Sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Smooth-coated Otter
• Jungle Cat
• Jackal
• Indian Wild Boar
• Nilgai (Blue Bull)
• Common Mongoose

Birds:

Migratory Birds-

• Wigeon
• Common Teal
• Pintail
• Shoveller 
• Brahminy Duck 
• Crested Pochard
• Common Pochard
• Tufted Ducks

Reptiles:

• Snakes
• Turtles
• Lizards

Harike Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. In which state Harike Wildlife Sanctuary is located?

A. Harike Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the northern Indian state of Punjab. It spans parts of the Tarn Taran, Ferozepur and Kapurthala districts in Punjab. The sanctuary is situated at the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers and is known for its diverse wetland ecosystems that support a wide variety of flora and fauna, particularly avian species.

Q. When was the Harike Wildlife Sanctuary established?

A. Harike Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established as a protected area 1999. The sanctuary's establishment aimed to conserve and protect its biodiversity and promote awareness about the importance of wetland ecosystems in the region.