DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand forest department has written to the state government requesting it to consider Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) and Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary for the UNESCO world heritage site status. Parag Madhukar Dhakate, chief conservator of forests said, “A letter has been sent to the state government and we will meet the state forest minister to discuss the issue. I hope our government and the Centre will push the case in UN.”
There are 37 world heritages in India out of which 7 are natural habitats for preservation including Valley of Flowers in Chamoli and Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve — both in Uttarakhand. The forest department officials said the status of world heritage will help the wildlife conservation projects get global attention.
One of the pioneers in Project Tiger, the CTR is currently home to 260 tigers along with 110 species of plants, 50 species of mammals, 580 species of birds and 25 species of reptiles. “The status of world heritage was long due, especially in case of the CTR.
Mandsaur will also be benefitted as the sanctuary is also rich in flora and fauna,” said AG Ansari, a conservationist based in Ramnagar. In 2012, Nandhaur wildlife sanctuary was notified an area spanning 269 square kilometres in Haldwani forest division to conserve its diverse flora and fauna. The sanctuary, spread over three districts, is home to a large population of tigers, leopards, elephants and others.
269 sq kmArea of Nandhaur wildlife sanctuary
37 world heritages in India
260 Tigers in Corbett Tiger Reserve
7 are natural habitats for preservation
520sq km Area of the reserve
Uttarakhand’s share