Gangotri National Park
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: HT
Context: Residents of Uttarkashi have raised strong objections to the illegal operation of a waste incinerator inside the Gangotri National Park, citing pollution in the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone and violation of environmental laws.
About Gangotri National Park:
• Gangotri National Park is a high-altitude protected area in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, covering 2,390 sq km.
• It plays a crucial role in preserving Himalayan biodiversity and the Gangotri Glacier, the origin of River Ganga.
• Location: Situated in the Garhwal Himalayas, along the upper Bhagirathi River catchment. Shares borders with Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and Govind National Park. Forms part of India’s international boundary with Tibet (China). Includes iconic peaks like Chaukhamba I–III, Satopanth, and Kedarnath Main.
• Situated in the Garhwal Himalayas, along the upper Bhagirathi River catchment.
• Shares borders with Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and Govind National Park.
• Forms part of India’s international boundary with Tibet (China).
• Includes iconic peaks like Chaukhamba I–III, Satopanth, and Kedarnath Main.
• Flora (Vegetation Zones): Western Himalayan subalpine conifer forests dominate lower elevations (fir, oak, spruce, deodar). Rhododendron shrubs and alpine meadows thrive at higher altitudes below glaciers. Above 3,500 m, alpine shrublands and grasslands support cold-adapted vegetation.
• Western Himalayan subalpine conifer forests dominate lower elevations (fir, oak, spruce, deodar).
• Rhododendron shrubs and alpine meadows thrive at higher altitudes below glaciers.
• Above 3,500 m, alpine shrublands and grasslands support cold-adapted vegetation.
• Fauna: Critical habitat for snow leopards, a high-altitude apex predator. Supports rare species like the musk deer, Himalayan tahr, and blue sheep (bharal). Other animals include brown bears, Asian black bears, and monals. Acts as a corridor for migratory birds and rare Himalayan butterflies.
• Critical habitat for snow leopards, a high-altitude apex predator.
• Supports rare species like the musk deer, Himalayan tahr, and blue sheep (bharal).
• Other animals include brown bears, Asian black bears, and monals.
• Acts as a corridor for migratory birds and rare Himalayan butterflies.