Source: HT

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Context :

• Recently, The Punjab government submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court.
• It is stated that the Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary will remain at 100 meters for the Nayagaon municipal committee.
• Initially it was proposed that it would be extended to 1 to 3 kilometers.

About Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary

Location & Background:

• Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in Chandigarh.
• It is near the famous Sukhna Lake nestled at the foothills of the Shivalik Range.
• The lake was designed by the renowned architect Le Corbusier in 1958.
• It was created by diverting the Sukhna Choe. It is a seasonal stream from the Shivalik hills.
• The sanctuary was established as a result of afforestation efforts for soil conservation around Sukhna Lake.

Area & Geography:

• The sanctuary covers an area of 2600 hectares.
• The region is geographically unstable.
• It is making it prone to soil erosion due to surface runoff during rainfall.
• The land consists of sandy soil from the Shivalik hills with some pockets of clay in certain areas.

Water Bodies:

• Apart from Sukhna Lake the sanctuary has 150 small & large water bodies.
• It makes up its catchment area.

Ecosystem & Vegetation

• The sanctuary is home to a mix of forests, grasslands, & wetlands.
• Also, Sukhna Lake plays an important role in maintaining the local ecosystem.

Flora (Plants):

• The common plant species found here include:
  • • Khair, Phulai, Kikar, Shisham, Moonj, Amaltas, Jhingan, Amla, Rati, Vasaka, & more.

Fauna (Animals):

• Mammals:
  • • Squirrel, Common Mongoose, Indian Hare, Porcupine, Jungle Cat, Jackal, & Wild Boar are found in the sanctuary.
• Birds:
  
  • • Peacock, Hill Myna, Jungle Crow, Black Drongo, Parrots, Doves, & other species are commonly found here.
    • The sanctuary also attracts migratory birds during certain seasons.

Source: HT