Environment & Ecology
In News: Supreme Court exempted Maharashtra’s Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (TWS) from creation of a one-kilometre eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around all Protected Areas in India.
- The bench is hearing applications filed in the TN Godavarman Thirumalpad case that has sought exemption from the order.
- We are all for the protection of the environment. But at the same time, we cannot halt development,” Justice Gavai said.
About TWS:
- It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2003.
- It is in the suburbs of Mumbai.
- Tungareshwar is a mountain plateau situated between Virar and Vasai.
- Spread over 85 sq.km, it forms a corridor between Sanjay Gandhi National Park (also known as Borivali National Park) and Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary.
- There are three different types of forests – Dry Deciduous, Moist Deciduous and Semi Evergreen.
- It is a popular picnic destination.
- The region is rich in biodiversity: Oriental dwarf kingfisher (a migrant bird known as the Jewel of the forest), the Leopard, Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Langur, Bonnet and Rhesus Macaque, and Black-naped Hare, as well as a multitude of birds, including the Crested Serpent-eagle, Jungle Owlet, White-eyed Buzzard, Oriental Honey-buzzard, Emerald Dove and Heart-spotted Woodpecker can be found here.
Source Down to Earth
Previous Year Question
Q.1) Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous? (2020)
- Kanha National Park
- Manas National Park
- Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
- Tal Chhaper Wildlife Sanctuary
Q.2) Which of the following are the most likely places to find the musk deer in its natural habitat? (2020)
- Askot Wildlife Sanctuary
- Gangotri National Park
- Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary
- Manas National Park
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 3 and 4 only
- 1 and 4 only
