Karaikal

Why in the News?

1. Karaikal, an enclave of the Union Territory of Puducherry, will soon host a first-of-its-kind state-of-the-art fisheries processing cluster under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
2. The project, with an estimated cost of ₹348.89 crore (including ₹298.34 crore Central grant), aims to modernize fisheries infrastructure and boost socio-economic development for the fishing community.
3. This initiative will create an integrated fisheries cluster with backward and forward linkages, benefiting fishers through higher incomes, employment generation, and market access.

About the Place

1. Location: Karaikal is one of the four districts of the Union Territory of Puducherry, situated on the eastern coast of India along the Bay of Bengal.
2. Geography: It is an enclave surrounded by Tamil Nadu and lies about 132 km south of Puducherry city and 150 km from Chennai.
3. Area: Covers about 160 sq. km, making it the second-largest region in the UT after Puducherry district.
4. Rivers: The district is irrigated by the Cauvery River and its distributaries, making it agriculturally fertile.
5. Economy: Predominantly agriculture-based with paddy cultivation and fisheries as key economic activities.
6. Culture: Known for its temples, including the famous Sri Saneeswara Temple at Thirunallar, attracting thousands of pilgrims.
7. Transport: Well-connected by road and rail, with the nearest airport at Tiruchirappalli (Trichy).
8. Special Feature: Hosts a major port project (Karaikal Port) and is being developed as a marine trade and fisheries hub under central government initiatives.

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park

Why in the News?

1. A new study titled “Grasslands in Flux” has found that two native species — Bombax ceiba (Simalu) and Lagerstroemia speciosa (Ajar) — have joined invasive species in altering the riverine ecosystem of Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (DSNP).
2. The study reveals a substantial decline in grasslands and an increase in degraded forest and shrubland between 1999 and 2024, posing a serious threat to grassland-dependent species.

About Dibru-Saikhowa National Park

1. Location: Situated in eastern Assam, between the Brahmaputra River (north) and the Dibru River (south).
2. Area: Covers about 425 sq. km.
3. Habitat Type: Known for its grassland-dominated riverine ecosystem, semi-evergreen forests, and wetlands.
4. Unique Feature: The only habitat of feral horses in India — around 200 horses, descendants of military horses from World War II.
5. Biodiversity: Home to rare and endemic species like Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis), hog deer (Axis porcinus), and swamp grass babbler (Prinia cinerascens).
6. Conservation Status: Designated as a National Park in 1999; also a Biosphere Reserve.
7. Major Threats: Grassland shrinkage, invasive species, frequent floods of Brahmaputra, and human pressure from forest villages.
8. Recent Study Findings: Grassland cover has reduced from 78% in 2000 to much less now, replaced by shrubland and degraded forest — impacting wildlife and increasing climate vulnerability.