Col. Sher Jung National Park

Col. Sher Jung National Park Latest News

The Himachal Pradesh High Court quashed a recent notification declaring areas of at least three grama panchayats around the Col Sher Jung National Park at Simbalbara in Sirmaur district as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ).

About Col. Sher Jung National Park

• Col. Sher Jung National Park, also known as Simbalbara National Park, is located in the Paonta Valley of the Sirmaur (Sirmour) district in Himachal Pradesh along its border with Haryana. 
• It is named after the famous freedom fighter and ardent environmentalist Colonel Sher Jung.
• The park is located in the lower Shiwalik region and extends into the middle and upper Shiwaliks, with an elevation ranging from 350 to 700 meters above sea level.
• Geographically, it is at the confluence of three biogeographic regions: the Himalayas, the Gangetic plain, and the semi-arid region.
• It touches Kalesar National Park of Haryana to its south and west.
• The Simbalbara River flows through Simbalbara National Park and is a lifeline for the park’s plants and animals.
• Vegetation: It is characterized by its dense Sal forests with grassy glades.
• Flora: 
  • Sal (Shorea robusta) and Terminalia tomentosa are the principal species that form the top canopy here. 
  • On the riverine side, Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Cassia siamea, and Eucalyptus are present.
• Fauna: 
  • Some key species include Nilgai, Sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boar, goral, barking deer, and Rhesus macaque. 
  • The park also serves as a significant bird habitat, home to species like the Indian roller, dollar bird, kingfishers, and three types of hornbills.
  • Predatory birds such as the crested serpent eagle and Brahminy kite also inhabit this area.

Source: IE

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