Govt notifies Shravasti’s Ken Nala as biodiversity heritage site

Bahraich: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has notified Ken Nala in Gulra area of Shravasti as a biodiversity heritage site.District magistrate, Shravasti, Annapurna Garg said that it is a significant step which will promote environmental conservation and ecotourism in the region.The CM said that Shravasti is believed to have been founded by Lav, the son of Lord Ram, and is also revered as a place where Lord Buddha spent the maximum number of ‘Chaturmas’ (rainy-season retreats).“It also holds an important place in Jain traditions as a major pilgrimage centre. The govt is undertaking various initiatives to develop Shravasti as a prominent tourism destination,” Yogi said.Ken Nala, located within the Bhinga range of the Shravasti forest division, is a unique freshwater ecosystem known for its clean and pristine water.The site is particularly noted for the presence of the rare freshwater mangrove species Barringtonia acutangula, locally known as ‘Injad’.The area falls within the Bhinga reserved forest, which covers a total area of 452.88 hectares. Out of this, 80 hectares have now been officially declared a Biodiversity Heritage Site.The ecosystem is sustained by multiple water channels originating from forested areas, agricultural lands, and hill streams.The region serves as a natural habitat for a wide variety of terrestrial and aquatic species, including wildlife, birds, and other fauna. It supports significant biodiversity and provides an important ecological niche for numerous plant and animal species.Officials said that the entire area was under the control of the forest department. Although it is not currently included in the protected area network under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the site plays a vital role in conservation efforts.It also serves as a seasonal migratory habitat for several bird species and is home to a variety of medicinal plants.Suhelwa forest (Shravasti district) was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1988.Occupying an area of 452 km, the sanctuary is covered with sal, sheesham, khair, sagaun (teak), asna, jamun, haldu, phaldu, dhamina, jhingan and bahera trees. The fauna found in the sanctuary includes leopard, tiger, bear, wildcat, wild boar and various birds.Sohelwa Wildlife division is situated on the Indo-Nepal border. There are five ranges – Tulsipur, Barahawa, Bankatwa, East Sohelwa and West Sohelwa – covering a total area of 452 km.Adjacent to the sanctuary area are Shivalik Ranges of Himalaya.