Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary

Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

A forest department team has recently arrested four members of a gang allegedly involved in the illegal felling of khair trees in the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary area.

About Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary

• It is located in the Meerut District of Uttar Pradesh.
• Established in 1986, it lies alongside the northern tip of the River Ganga, flowing through the districts of Muzaffarnagar and Bijnor.
• It is situated near the mediaeval town of Hastinapur, which is of cultural importance. 
• It is spread across an area of 2073 sq.km.
• It is made up of a variety of environments, including marshes, grasslands, woodlands, and riverine ecosystems. 
• The Ganges River and its tributaries flow through the sanctuary, contributing to its rich biodiversity.
• Vegetation: The vegetation can be classified into tall wet grasslands, dry short grasslands, scrubs, and plantations.
• Flora: Dominated by Sal (Shorea robusta), Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), Khair (Acacia catechu), and Jamun (Syzygium cumini) trees.
• Fauna: 
  • It is home to the state animal, the Swamp Deer (Barasingha), as well as Hog Deer, Cheetal, Sambar, and the State Bird, the Saaras (Crane). 
  • It is a part of the “Asia Flyway” project, and many migratory birds, both local and foreign, flock in numbers near the numerous water bodies present in the region.
  • Under Crocodile Breeding Projects, baby crocodiles are released in the Ganga River near Hastinapur.
  • Under the aegis of the World Wide Fund (WWF), the Turtle Rehabilitation Program also has its centre near the Hastinapur Sanctuary.

Source: TP

‹ ›