PLACES IN NEWS 8th MARCH 2025

 

Bangus Valley

 

Why in news?

 

1. On March 6, 2025, the Jammu and Kashmir government introduced new regulations for Bangus, a remote tourist spot near the LoC in north Kashmir, aiming to develop it as an ecotourism destination.

 

About Bangus Valley:

 

1. Location and Terrain
    

1. Situated in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, Bangus Valley lies in the northern part of the Handwara sub-district, near the Line of Control (LoC).
    
2. It is positioned at an altitude of approximately 10,000 ft. above sea level, making it one of the highest valleys in the region.
    
3. The valley is flanked by Rajwar and Mawar in the east, Shamasbury and Dajlungun Mountains in the west, and Chowkibal and Karnah Guli in the north.
    

2. Geographical Features
    

1. The valley spans an estimated 300 sq. km and consists of two sections—Bodh Bangus (Big Bangus), a larger elliptical bowl aligned along the east-west axis, and Lokut Bangus (Small Bangus) to its northeast.
    
2. The valley is characterised by lush green meadows, gently sloping landscapes, and a stream flowing through the grasslands, enhancing its picturesque beauty.
    

3. Ecological Significance
    

1. Lying within the Trans-Himalayan region, Bangus exhibits a diverse ecological system, blending grassland and coniferous biomes.
    
2. The surrounding low-lying mountains are covered with dense coniferous forests (Budloo), while the valley itself is home to rich alpine flora and fauna.
    
3. This unique ecosystem makes Bangus an ideal location for ecotourism, offering opportunities for trekking, camping, and wildlife exploration.

 

Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve

 

Why in news?

 

1. A recent Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) monitoring committee meeting ruled out new commercial construction within 1 km of the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve boundary or up to the ESZ limit.

 

About Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve:

 

 

1. Location and Geography:
    

1. The Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve is situated in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, and lies at the confluence of the Western and Eastern Ghats in South India.
    
2. The reserve spans 574.82 sq. km and was designated a Tiger Reserve in 2011.
    
3. Its name, Biligiri, meaning "white rocky cliff," comes from the prominent white rock face that houses the ancient Rangaswamy Temple.
    
4. The region is often shrouded in mist and silvery clouds, adding to its scenic beauty.
    

2. Flora and Fauna:
    

1. The reserve exhibits diverse vegetation, influenced by varying climatic conditions and elevations.
    
2. It includes scrublands, deciduous forests, riparian zones, evergreen patches, sholas, and grasslands.
    
3. The dominant tree species found here include Axlewood, Rosewood, Dhawda, Indian Laurel, Black Myrobalan, and Kindal.
    
4. The rich fauna of the reserve includes tigers, elephants, leopards, wild dogs, bison, sambar deer, spotted deer, barking deer, four-horned antelope, sloth bears, wild boars, common langurs, and bonnet macaques.
    
5. Additionally, the reserve is home to various reptile and bird species, enhancing its ecological significance.
    

3. Cultural Significance:
    

1. At the heart of the reserve stands the Rangaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, making it a revered pilgrimage site.
    
2. The region is also home to the Soliga tribe, an indigenous community that has coexisted with the forest and its wildlife for generations.
    
3. Their deep connection with nature and traditional conservation practices contribute to the sustainable management of the reserve.

 

Panchaganga River

 

Why in news?

 

1. The Maharashtra government recently formed a panel to investigate the causes of pollution in the Panchaganga River.

 

About Panchaganga River:

 

 

1. Origin and Course
    

1. The Panchaganga River, a major tributary of the Krishna River, originates from Prayag Sangam in the Sahyadri mountain ranges.
    
2. The river's birthplace is Chikhlee Taluka, a small village in Kolhapur district, Maharashtra.
    
3. It flows for approximately 80 km before merging with the Krishna River.
    
4. The Panchaganga River Valley is known for its fertile lands, supporting agriculture, particularly sugarcane cultivation.
    
5. The river derives its name from the confluence of five rivers—Kasari, Kumbhi, Tulsi, Bhogawati, and Saraswati.
    
6. These tributaries play a crucial role in sustaining the region's agriculture and water supply.
    

2. Rising Pollution Concerns:
    

1. In recent years, pollution in the Panchaganga River has risen significantly, mainly due to the discharge of untreated municipal sewage from Kolhapur town.
    
2. This contamination poses serious threats to aquatic life, public health, and agricultural activities.
    
3. Despite its spiritual significance, with several temples and shrines along its banks, the increasing pollution has raised environmental concerns.
    
4. Addressing this issue requires effective wastewater management and pollution control measures to restore the river's ecological balance.
    

Kanwar Lake

 

Why in news?

 

1. Experts warn that Bihar's delay in approving the Kanwar Lake restoration plan threatens the region's bird population, as the lake is a crucial wetland habitat for migratory and resident birds.

 

About Kanwar Lake:

 

 

1. Location and Formation:
    

1. Kanwar Lake, located in Begusarai district, Bihar, is Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow lake and Bihar’s only Ramsar site.
    
2. It was formed due to the meandering course of the Burhi Gandak River, which led to the creation of a crescent-shaped water body as sediment deposition cut off the river bend.
    
3. Oxbow lakes like Kanwar are typically found in floodplains and low-lying areas, playing a crucial role in groundwater recharge and ecosystem balance.
    

2. Ecological Significance
    

1. Once a thriving wetland, Kanwar Lake served as a haven for migratory birds, attracting species from Central Asia, Siberia, and Europe.
    
2. It provided an ideal habitat for birds like the Siberian crane, bar-headed goose, and greater adjutant stork, supporting rich biodiversity.
    
3. The wetland also acted as a natural flood control system, absorbing excess water during monsoons.
    

3. Threats and Conservation Concerns
    

1. Despite its ecological importance, Kanwar Lake is rapidly shrinking due to encroachments, land expansion, and embankment construction along the Burhi Gandak River, blocking its main water source.
    
2. Without urgent restoration efforts, the lake faces irreversible degradation. Conservation initiatives could revive its lost glory, making it a tourism hub and generating employment opportunities for locals.
    

Rajmahal Hills

 

Why in news?

 

1. A rare and well-preserved petrified fossil has been discovered in Pakur, Jharkhand, a region associated with the Rajmahal Hills, known for their rich Jurassic-era fossils.

 

About Rajmahal Hills:

 

 

1. Location:
    

1. The Rajmahal Hills are located in the Santhal Pargana division of Jharkhand, spanning across Sahibganj, Dumka, and Pakur districts.
    
2. Covering an area of approximately 2,600 km², these hills are inhabited by indigenous communities like the Sauria Paharia and Santhal tribes.
    
3. The River Ganges meanders around these hills, altering its course from east to south.
    

2. Formation and Geological Background
    

1. The Rajmahal Hills were formed due to volcanic activity during the Jurassic period, leading to the development of the Rajmahal Traps, which consist of 16 to 18 lava flows.
    
2. Between these layers, periods of vegetation growth resulted in the formation of fossilised plant remains, providing valuable insights into prehistoric ecosystems.
    

3. Potential Resources and Economic Significance
    

1. The region is rich in basalt, which is extensively mined for construction materials.
    
2. However, the extraction of minerals and expansion of mining activities pose a threat to the unique geological and fossil heritage of the area.
    
3. The hills also hold scientific importance due to their potential for further fossil discoveries, which could even include dinosaur fossils.
    

4. Recent Fossil Discovery and Its Significance
    

1. A rare and well-preserved petrified fossil was recently unearthed near Barmasia village in Pakur district by a team of geologists and forest officials.
    
2. Estimated to be around 100-145 million years old, this 20-ft-long fossilised tree, dating back to the Cretaceous period, is the first in-situ discovery of its kind in India.
    
3. This finding strengthens the paleontological significance of the Rajmahal Hills and can provide deeper insights into prehistoric climate conditions and the impact of volcanic eruptions.
    
4. The Rajmahal Formation’s fossil-bearing beds have been declared National Geological Monuments of India by the Geological Survey of India (GSI).
    
5. However, concerns over mining activities threaten these valuable fossil sites, highlighting the need for conservation and scientific research to preserve this unique natural heritage.

 

UPSC CSE PYQs Q1. Consider the following statements: Jhelum River passes through Wular lake. Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake. Meandering of Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake. How many of the Statements given above are correct? Only one Only two All three None Answer: Option A

 

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