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East India Tiger Park |
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Hazaribagh National Park |
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Location : |
Bihar |
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d Nearest Access :
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Hazaribagh (1km) |
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d Main Wildlife
Found : |
The
chinkara, dear, Blackbuck, wild boar, striped hyena,
jackal, common langur, porcupine, hare, black buck |
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Coverage Area : |
183.39 sq km |
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About Hazaribagh National Park
The Hazaribagh sanctuary, one of Bihar's oldest and amongs tits most
well-known protected areas, is under the twin threats of a highway
expansion and a railway project. This area, still popularly referred
to as the Hazaribagh National Park based on its first declaration in
1954, is located in the state's Hazaribagh district.
After the enactment of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, it was
declared a sanctuary under this Act, in 1976. These sal-dominated
forests are home to a variety of wildlife and form a part of vital
elephant and tiger corridors. The Hazaribagh - Barhi stretch of
National Highway No. 33 runs through the sanctuary, and is proposed
for 4-laning. Parallel to this highway, a railway line forming part of
the Koderma - Hazaribagh link, is proposed. The coming up of both
these projects in tandem will effectively cut the sanctuary into two
separate sections, making animal movements between these very
difficult.
Recently (in June 2000), the railway minister, Ms. Mamata Banerjee was
in Hazaribagh to review the progress of the railway project. She along
with the Finance Minister, Shri Yashwant Sinha, held discussions with
senior forest, railway and state government officials, with a focus on
the ecological damage envisaged due to the railway line. The forest
department has expressed grave reservations about this project on
ecological grounds. Ms Banerjee has said that a joint monitoring
committee will be set up under the leadership of Shri Sinha, including
representatives of the MOEF, railways, state govt., to look at every
aspect of the issue and come up with a mutually agreeable solution
within three months. But, a cause for concern is that she has also
given an assurance that the work on the railway line will begin by
mid-October.
It is necessary for all of us to express our concern and strongly
oppose the proposed decimation of one more of our wildlife habitats by
both the 4-laning of the highway and the railway line |
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Request
for a custom-made itinerary |
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Best Time to Visit
Hazaribagh National Park
The climate in this region is tropical with hot summers and cold
winters. Temperature during the summer months touch a high of 41.1°C
and a low of 19.4°C. Winter months are better and the temperature
ranges between a maximum and minimum of 19.4°C and 7°C. The monsoon
months are July to mid-September.
How to Get there
Air : The nearest airport Ranchi (91 km) is
connected with Calcutta, Patna, Lucknow and Delhi by regular Indian
Airlines flights.
Rail : The nearest railway station is Koderma,
which is 59 km away, or alternately one can approach the park from the
Hazaribagh Road railway station (67 km) on the Howrah-Delhi Grand
Chord line.
R oad
: Hazaribagh town is connected by road to Ranchi 91 km, Dhanbad
128 km, Gaya 130 km, Patna 235 km, Daltongunj 198 km, and Calcutta
(via Asansol-Govindapur-Barhi) 434 km. The Hazaribagh National Park is
19 km from the Hazaribagh town. Regular bus services connect the town
with Koderma, Hazaribagh Road railway station, Patna, Gaya, Ranchi,
Dhanbad, Daltongunj and other nearby places.
Internal Transport : Unmetered Taxis, Auto Rickshaws, Cycle
Rickshaws and Taxis are available for the park from the Hazaribagh
town. The approximate charge for a taxi is Rs. 160 for a two-way
journey.
Attractions :
Sighting of wild boar, sambar, nilgai, cheetal, and
kakar is assured especially near the waterholes at dusk. Tigers being
less in number-14 according to the 1991 census-are difficult to sight.
The sanctuary stretches over 184 square km of undulating country and
steep hills with dense tropical forests and grass meadows.
A 111-km road in the sanctuary takes motorists to the remotest corners
and to masonry towers. Strategically located, the road offers
excellent opportunities for viewing the wilds. The sanctuary is
surrounded by tribal habitation. There are many watchtowers that
provide perfect hideouts to see the wildlife in its true natural
habitat.
Request for a custom-made itinerary
Places Around :
The Palamau Forest Reserve is another major wildlife sanctuary in the
region. Places of the tourist interest in the vicinity include Canari
Hill-5 km, Rajrappa-Falls 89 km, and Suraj Kund hot spring-72 km.
Travel Tips :
A trip to the park starts at 1700 hours from the Divisional Forest
Office, West Division, Hazaribagh and it ends at 2200 hours. Charges
are Rs.50 per head. Reservation can be made with the Divisional Forest
Officer, West Division, Hazaribagh. Entry fees for vehicles inside the
park are Bus (full)- Rs.75; Mini Bus- Rs.50; Station
Wagon/Car/Jeep/Private Car- Rs.20; Motor Cycle- Rs.10 and Taxi- Rs.25.
No charges are levied for guides provided with the tour operators and
there is no extra fee for carrying a camera to the park. Firearms are
not allowed inside the park. |
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