Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP)

Great Himalayan National Park Latest News

The Ministry of Environment recently declared a 326.69 sq.km. area around the Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh as an eco-sensitive zone.

About Great Himalayan National Park 

• It is a high altitude national park located in Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh.
• It spreads across a total area of 1171 sq.km, encompassing elevations ranging from 1,500 to 6,000 meters. 
• Nestled in the far Western Himalayas, the park comprises four valleys: the Tirthan Valley, the Sainj Valley, the Parvati Valley, and the Jiwa Nal Valley. 
• It is surrounded by steep ridges and permanent snow on its northern, eastern, and southern edges. 
• The GHNP is situated adjacent to Pin Valley National Park, Rupi-Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Tirthan and Sainj Wildlife Sanctuaries.
• Topography: The park is a stunning mix of lush coniferous forests, meadows, glaciers, and mountain peaks.
• It was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2014.
• Flora:
  • Vegetation grows in well-defined altitude zones, beginning with rather open, subtropical forests at the lowest valley bottoms, gradually grading to mixed forests of horse chestnut, evergreen oak, spruce, and deodar, then to rusty-leaved kharsu oak, spruce, and fir in the upper temperate zone. 
  • Further up is a subalpine zone of birches, stunted firs, and rhododendron bushes, followed by the higher alpine areas where vegetation is reduced to grasses, herbs, and low shrubs, such as juniper. 
• Fauna:
  • The park is home to 31 mammals, including the elusive snow leopard, the majestic Himalayan brown bear, and the vibrant blue sheep, or bharal. 
  • Other notable residents include the Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and serow. 
  • Birdlife in the park is equally diverse, with 209 species recorded, such as the endangered western tragopan and the impressive lammergeiers, alongside the Himalayan griffon vulture and golden eagle. 

Source: DEVD

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