Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary

Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

The Punjab government, in its affidavit submitted before the Supreme Court (SC) recently, stated that the Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary limit will remain at 100 meters for the Nayagaon municipal committee instead of 1 to 3 km.

About Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary

• It is a protected area located in Chandigarh, near the famous Sukhna Lake at the foothills of the Shivalik range.
• The lake was created by the architect Le Corbusier in 1958 by diverting the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream that flows down from the Shivalik hills. 
• The sanctuary was developed as a result of afforestation done for soil conservation around Sukhna Lake. 
• Spreading over an area of 2600 hectares, Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1998.
• The place is quite unstable geographically and becomes prone to soil erosion by surface runoff during rains.
• It has sandy soil of Shivalik with pockets of clay embedded at places. 
• Apart from the Sukhna Lake, there are around 150 small and large water bodies in the sanctuary that form its catchment area.
• Vegetation: It is characterized by a mix of forests, grasslands, and wetlands, with the Sukhna Lake forming an important part of the ecosystem.
• Flora: The common flora of the sanctuary includes Khair, Phulai, Kikar, Shisham, Moonj, Amaltas, Jhingan, Amla, Rati, Vasaka, and many more.
• Fauna: 
  • Squirrel, Common-Mongoose, Indian Hare, Porcupine, Jungle Cat, Jackal, Wild boar, etc, are the mammals found in the sanctuary.
  • Peacock, Hill myna, Jungle crow, Black drongo, Parrots, Doves, and others are the common birds of this region. Migratory birds also flock around this place.

Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1. In which state is the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans. It is located in Chandigarh, which is a Union Territory and serves as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana

Q2. Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary is situated near which famous lake?

Ans. Sukhna Lake

Q3. What type of soil is found in Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans. Sandy soil with clay pockets.

Source: HT