Jhajjar-Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuary: Location, Flora, Fauna and Recent Developments

Why in News

In a major push to eco-tourism and wildlife conservation, the Punjab forest department has prepared a ₹5.36-crore development plan for the Jhajjar-Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuary.

Geographical Location

• The sanctuary is located in Rupnagar district of Punjab.
• It lies in the foothills of the Shivalik Range.
• The sanctuary is situated close to the Sutlej River.
• Its location forms an important ecological transition zone between plains and hills.

Vegetation Profile

• The sanctuary is dominated by dry deciduous forests.
• Common tree species include Khair, Neem, Shisham, Amla and Eucalyptus.
• Several plant species possess medicinal and ecological importance.

Faunal Diversity

• Mammals found here include Leopard, Nilgai, Pangolin, Sambar and Barking Deer.
• Reptiles include Python, Cobra and Monitor Lizard.
• The sanctuary supports a rich diversity of resident and migratory birds.
• It serves as an important habitat for wildlife movement in the Shivalik landscape.

Recent Development

• The Punjab State Board for Wildlife approved renaming the sanctuary as Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Wildlife Sanctuary.
• The proposal aims to commemorate the legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru.