The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has recently made a significant green move. This comes in the form of issuing a draft notification to declare an area of one kilometre from the boundaries of Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary as an eco-sensitive zone. Nestled in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, this sanctuary is situated around the Pong Dam Lake, also revered as Maharana Pratap Sagar.
Understanding the Significance of Pong Dam
The Pong Dam is a noteworthy landmark for various reasons. Constructed in 1975, it holds the record of being the highest earth-fill dam in India. Further key interest is its location. It was erected on the Beas River, leading to the formation of a manmade reservoir commonly known as the Pong Dam Lake or Maharana Pratap Sagar.
Pong Dam’s Ecological Importance
The Pong Dam Lake and its surrounding areas carry immense ecological importance. The entire terrain around this reservoir was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1983 by the Himachal Pradesh government. With diverse range of flora and fauna, it houses tropical and subtropical forests, shedding light on the area’s rich biodiversity.
A Wetland of National Importance
The gem that is Pong Dam doesn’t stop at being a wildlife heritage. In 1994, it was distinguished and recognised as a “wetland of national importance” by the Indian Government. This brought increased attention towards its conservation, further amplifying the impact of its ecological significance.
Pong Dam as a Ramsar Site
Adding to the list of its recognitions, Pong Dam Lake was declared as a Ramsar Site in 2002. Named after the Iranian city where the Convention on Wetlands was signed in 1971, Ramsar Sites aim to protect and conserve internationally important wetlands. The inclusion of Pong Dam in this list highlights its role on a global scale for maintaining the planet’s ecological balance.
The Move Towards Eco-sensitive Zoning
Taking a step further in environmental protection, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has proposed to declare one kilometre from the boundaries of Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary as an eco-sensitive zone. This initiative is aimed at regulating certain activities around the sanctuary, ensuring minimal impacts on the ecosystem within. By categorising it as an eco-sensitive zone, it recognises the need for better management of wildlife, strengthening the preservation efforts extended towards this area of profound biological diversity.
The Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a microcosm of nature’s abundance, with its rich biodiversity and broad range of ecosystems. With the recent move of declaring the surrounding territory of the sanctuary as an eco-sensitive zone, a fresh ray of hope shines for environmental conservationists and nature lovers alike. The series of recognition and protective measures for Pong Dam and its surroundings reinstate its prominent role in maintaining India’s ecological health and accentuates the necessity of preserving such natural treasures.