Description

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Context

Jammu & Kashmir government focuses on ecotourism development in Bangus Valley to prevent unchecked urbanization, preserve ecological balance & support local livelihoods especially after facing issues in Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg.

Bangus Valley

Bangus Valley is located in northern part of Jammu & Kashmir within Kupwara district & Handwara sub-district.

Situated at an altitude of approximately 10,000 feet above sea level it lies within the Trans-Himalayan region.

The valley is characterized by its diverse ecosystems blending mountain & grassland biomes with lush flora at lower altitudes & Taiga (coniferous) forests at higher elevations.

The valley spans over an estimated 300 square kilometers & consists of two major sections: Bodh Bangus (Big Bangus) & Lokut Bangus (Small Bangus).

The main valley Bodh Bangus is a linear, elliptical bowl aligned along east-west axis. It is surrounded by high mountain ranges:

To the east valley is bordered by Rajwar & Mawar mountains. To west, Shamasbury & Dajlungun mountain ranges form boundary. To the north, Chowkibal & Karnah Guli mountains enclose the valley.

A smaller valley Lokut Bangus lies on the northeastern side of the main valley creating a picturesque landscape with meadows & dense forests.

Bangus Valley experiences a cold alpine climate with long, harsh winters & moderate summers.

Snowfall is common during winter & region flora is adapted to withstand extreme cold.

The coniferous forests surrounding the valley are primarily composed of pine, deodar, fir trees.

A stream flows through both the Bodh Bangus & Lokut Bangus valleys nourishing vegetation & contributing to overall ecological system.

Trans-Himalayan Range

Feature	Details
Location	North of the Great Himalayas, extending from Zanskar in India to Tibet and Karakoram.
Length	Approximately 1,600 km.
Regions Covered	Primarily parts of India, Pakistan, China (Tibet), and Nepal.
Mountain Ranges	Includes Zanskar, Ladakh, Kailash Range, Karakoram, and Lahaul.
Altitude	Peaks generally range from 4,500 meters to 7,500 meters.
Ecological Features	Characterized by cold deserts, high-altitude passes, and arid plateaus.
Flora	Sparse vegetation; mainly alpine and steppe-like vegetation such as grasses, shrubs, and low-lying plants.
Fauna	Musk deer, snow leopards, mountain goats, wild yaks, ibex, brown bears, and snowcocks.
Climate	Extreme cold; arid and dry in most areas, with snowfall during winters.
Importance	Serves as the boundary between the Indian subcontinent and the Tibetan Plateau.
Significance	Ecologically important for maintaining biodiversity and climatic balance; a barrier to monsoon winds, leading to desertification of regions in the north.
Human Inhabitants	Limited human habitation, mainly nomadic tribes, Buddhist communities, and mountain villagers.
Strategic Importance	Plays a crucial role in border security between India, Pakistan, and China due to its proximity to the Line of Control (LoC) and Indo-China border.
Popular Regions	Ladakh, Zanskar Valley, Lahaul, Kailash Mansarovar, Karakoram Range, and Spiti Valley.

Eco-Tourism spots in India

Eco-Tourism Spot	Location	Key Features	Activities	Best Time to Visit
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve	Uttarakhand	A UNESCO World Heritage Site with rich biodiversity, home to the Nanda Devi Peak and diverse flora and fauna.	Trekking, wildlife watching, nature walks, bird watching	April to June, September to November
Sundarbans Mangrove Forest	West Bengal	UNESCO-listed mangrove forest, home to the Royal Bengal tiger and other endangered species.	Boat rides, wildlife safari, bird watching, photography	October to March
Kanha National Park	Madhya Pradesh	One of India’s largest national parks, famous for its tiger conservation and rich flora.	Wildlife safari, jeep safaris, nature walks	November to March
Great Himalayan National Park	Himachal Pradesh	UNESCO World Heritage site with high-altitude trekking routes and diverse ecosystems.	Trekking, camping, wildlife watching, photography	May to October
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary	Kerala	Famous for its elephant population and Periyar Lake; part of the Western Ghatsecosystem.	Boating, wildlife safari, nature walks, eco-tours	October to March
Ranthambhore National Park	Rajasthan	Known for its large population of tigers and rich history with the Ranthambhore Fort.	Tiger safari, wildlife photography, bird watching	October to April
Coorg (Kodagu)	Karnataka	Known for its coffee plantations, lush landscapes, and rich wildlife.	Coffee plantation tours, trekking, wildlife spotting	October to March
Valley of Flowers National Park	Uttarakhand	UNESCO-listed, famous for its diverse floraand wildflowers at high altitudes.	Trekking, nature walks, photography	July to September
Manas National Park	Assam	UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses.	Wildlife safari, river rafting, bird watching	November to April
Banni Grasslands Reserve	Gujarat	Known for its wildlife, especially migratory birds and local Rabari tribes.	Bird watching, cultural tours, photography	November to February
Tawang	Arunachal Pradesh	A hidden gem with Buddhist monasteries, snow-capped peaks, and unique tribal cultures.	Trekking, monastery visits, cultural tours	March to October
Alleppey (Alappuzha)	Kerala	Famous for its backwaters, houseboats, and eco-friendly resorts.	Houseboat ride, canoeing, bird watching, village tours	November to February
Agasthyakoodam	Kerala	The second highest peak in the Western Ghats with a diverse range of flora and fauna.	Trekking, nature walks, bird watching	December to April
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary	Karnataka	Rich in biodiversity with tigers, elephants, and leopards.	River rafting, jungle safari, nature walks, bird watching	October to May
Chilika Lake	Odisha	Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, famous for migratory birds and dolphins.	Bird watching, boat ride, fishing, photography	November to February

Sources:

THE HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Discuss role of eco-tourism in promoting sustainable development in India. Evaluate its impact on local communities & environment with examples from prominent eco-tourism destinations.