Rajasthan sanctuary gets protection against ESZ shrinking: UPSC Daily Important Topic : 26 December 2022

Rajasthan sanctuary gets protection against ESZ shrinking-

✅The famous Tal Chhapar blackbuck sanctuary in Churu district of Rajasthan has received a protective cover against a proposed move of the State government to reduce the size of its eco-sensitive zone.

✅World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) has also taken up a major project for the conservation of raptors in the sanctuary.

● Reasons for the protection:

✅The Rajasthan Govt. took cognisance of reports that its area was going to be reduced to 3 sq. km under pressure from mine owners and stone crusher operators.

✅Court recently ordered a “complete prohibition” on any action to reduce the wildlife sanctuary’s area.

● About Tal Chhapar blackbuck sanctuary:

✅Host to ~4,000 blackbucks, over 40 species of raptors and more than 300 species of resident and migratory birds.

✅Located 85 km from Churu in Shekhawati District

✅Flanked by the Great India Desert, Thar

✅Has tall grasses and is dotted with numerous small ponds where the rain water accumulates.

✅Migratory birds pass through Tal Chhapar Sanctuary.

✅The commonly seen migratory birds in the sanctuary are harriers, eastern imperial eagle, tawny eagle, short-toed eagle, sparrow, and little green bee-eaters, black ibis and demoiselle cranes, whereas skylarks, crested larks, ring doves, and brown doves are seen round the year.

✅Apart from birds, desert fox and desert cat can be spotted in the sanctuary.