Changthang and Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary

Why in news?

• Ladakh has identified proper mapping and boundary identification of Changthang and Karakoram sanctuaries along the India-China border as a priority concern.
• Several strategic roads and border outposts are in and around the sanctuaries.
• The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has been asked to map and identify areas of ‘high conservation value’ to help ‘rationalise’ boundaries – allowing for addition or deletion of land.

About Changthang and Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Both areas were declared national wildlife sanctuaries in 1987
• Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary
  • It is a high altitude wildlife sanctuary located in the easternmost reaches of the Karakoram range in Leh district, Ladakh
  • It is important as one of the few places in India with a migratory population of the Chiru or Tibetan Antelope.
• Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary:
  • It is a high altitude wildlife sanctuary located in the Ladakhi adjunct of the Changthang plateau in the Leh District ,Ladakh.
  • It is important as one of the few places in India with a population of the Kiang or Tibetan Wild Ass, as well as the rare Black-necked Crane

Add ons:

• To construct roads or outposts near the India-China border, armed forces, ITBP and the Border Roads Organisation require clearance from the National Board of Wildlife.
• The environment ministry has been expediting these projects, especially after the 2020 conflict.
• A few days ago, the wildlife board cleared the construction of roads through these sanctuaries.
• Also, the country’s first Geothermal Field Development project has been cleared and it will come up at Puga in Ladakh.
• In March 2021, Changthang wildlife sanctuary land was diverted for constructing 24 outposts at Chushul, Hot Spring, Chumar etc.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, recently discussed in news, is located in:

(a) Ladakh

(b) Meghalaya

(c) Kashmir Valley

(d) Sikkim

Answer