Kalesar Sanctuary Saved: Supreme Court Halts Dams

The Supreme Court stopped the building of four dams in the Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary in Haryana. They asked the government for explanations and said the dams could harm wildlife and people living there, as well as the environment. The court said no construction should happen until they make a final decision.

About Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary

1. Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary is in Yamunanagar, Haryana, India.
2. Found in the Shivalik foothills of the Himalayas.
3. Named after the Kalesar forest and Kalesar Mahadev temple within it.
4. Declared a national park on December 8, 2003.
5. Historically used as hunting grounds by Mughal and British rulers, primarily for tigers.
6. Houses historical Kalesar Fort, possibly built during Aurangzeb’s reign, offering panoramic views
7. The tiger population significantly declined around 1892, leading to a hunting ban in the early 20th century.
8. Eastward lies the Yamuna River.
9. Rajaji National Park is to the northeast, Simbalbara National Park to the north (bordering Himachal Pradesh), and Morni Hills to the west.

Flaura and Fauna

1. Kalesar has 53% dense forest, 38% open forest, 9% scrub. Total forest cover is about 71%.
2. Home to various animals like leopards, deer, hyenas, jackals, porcupines, pangolins, and langurs.
3. Diverse bird species including red junglefowl, grey partridge, peafowl, and kingfisher.
4. Known for its scenic beauty with dense Sal tree cover.

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