State PCS - Uttarakhand (UKPSC)

• 09 May 2025

Rajaji National Park

Why in News? 

Abundant reservoirs and water holes built within Rajaji National Park have limited elephant movement into human-populated areas. 

 Key Points 

• Reduced Elephant Dependence on the Ganga: 
  • Large herds of elephants no longer rely heavily on the Ganga River, even during the summer months. 
  • The increased availability of water sources within forest areas has made elephants more self-sufficient. 
• Role of Amrit Sarovar Yojana: 
  • The Amrit Sarovar Yojana has significantly improved the water situation in the forests. 
  • The scheme aims to develop or rejuvenate 75 Amrit Sarovar ponds in each district across the country. 
  • It was launched in 2022, as part of India's "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" celebrations for the 75th year of independence. 
• Impact on Human-Wildlife Conflict: 
  • The improved water availability within the forest has reduced elephant movement into human-populated areas. 
  • As a result, instances of human-elephant conflict have declined, enhancing safety for both wildlife and local communities. 

 Rajaji National Park 

• About: 
  • Rajaji National Park is located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. 
  • It spans across three districts Dehradun, Haridwar and Pauri Garhwal. 
  • The park was established by merging three wildlife sanctuaries- Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla. 
  • It is named after C. Rajagopalachari, a prominent freedom fighter, fondly known as “Rajaji”. 
• Area and Tiger Reserve Status: 
  • Initially, Rajaji National Park covered an area of 820.42 sq km. 
  • In 2015, an additional 255.63 sq km of adjoining reserve forest was designated as a buffer zone. 
  • The combined area of 1075 sq km was then declared as the Rajaji Tiger Reserve under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. 
• Rivers in the Reserve: 
  • The Ganges River flows through the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, enhancing the region’s ecological richness. 
  • The Song River, a tributary of the Ganga, also traverses the reserve, supporting diverse wildlife and vegetation. 
• Elephant Corridor and Connectivity: 
  • The reserve contains an important elephant corridor, which ensures safe movement of elephants between Rajaji and Corbett National Park, promoting genetic diversity and reducing human-elephant conflict