The Govind
Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the Uttarkashi district of
Uttararanchal, was established on 1st March, 1955. It spreads over an
area of 957.969 sq. kms. and the altitude varies from 1300 mts. to 6323
mts. The average annual precipitation varies from 1000 to 1500 mm., most
of which occurs as monsoon rains (July to Sept.). The entire area of the
sanctuary is subjected to light to heavy snowfall.
The
sanctuary forms the upper catchment of the Tons river, which is the most
important tributory of River Yamuna in its upper reaches. Thus the area
has a significant value as a major watershed for River Yamuna, which is
a very important river for the Indo Gangetic plains. The area is home
for a lot of endangered animals and its large area along with the
contiguous forests of the neighbouring forest divisions helps in
maintaining genetic diversity. The area is very rich in medicinal
plants, many of which form the basis for certain life saving drugs. The
scenic beauty of the area is unmatched. The Snow Leopard inhabits the
inner Himalayas above the altitude of 3500 mts. With the onslaught on
the habitat by man its number has dwindled considerably making it a
highly endangered species. In the Eighth Plan, the Govt. of India
launched the Snow Leopard Project for the long term conservation of this
elusive cat. An expert team indentified sites throughout the Himalayas
to implement this project and Govind Wildlife Sanctuary was indentified
as one of such sites. To further improve the protection of this rare
animal, the upper reaches (the Snow Leopard habitat) of the sanctuary
were intentionally notified as a National Park, which covers an area of
472.08 sq. kms.
Approach and LocationThe Govind
Wildlife Sanctuary is located between 35*55 and 31*17’30 latitude
and 77*47’ 30 and 78*37’ 30 longitude in Purola tehsil of
Uttarakashi district of Uttaranchal. Naitwar, the entrance and starting
point of the sanctuary is approachable on a metalled all weather road.
It is at a distance of 200 kms. From Dehradun. It can also be approached
from Delhi by taking a 65 kms. long bifurcation from Naugaon situated on
the Delhi Yamunotri state highway. Daily bus service exists between
Dehradun and Naitwar.
WildlifeOver 15 species of
mammals and 150 species of birds exists in the sanctuary. The important
mammals are Snow leopard, Black bear, Brown bear, Musk deer, Bharal,
Himalayan Thar, Serow and Common leopard.
The endangered birds
found in the area are Monal pheasant, Koklas pheasant, Western Tragopan,
Himalayan Snow cock, Golden eagle, Steppe eagle, Black eagle and Bearded
vulture. Other important bird groups are pigeons, parakeets, cuckoos,
owls, minivets, bulbuls, tits, warblers, thrushes, finches, buntings,
etc.
As in other areas of the Himalayas, owing to low density
and rugged terrain, the animal sightings are very poor. The Ruinsara
catchment has been an important area for high altitude expeditions to
peaks like Black Peak and Banderpunch. Har-ki-Doon, Ruinsaratal,
Deokyara, Kedarkantha and Bhratsar are important places of attraction
for the tourists. Swargarohini, Black Peak and Banderpunch are the
important peaks in the area. The period from April to June and September
to November is suitable for visiting the area.
