Odisha declares Gupteswar forest in Koraput district as its fourth Bio-Diversity Heritage Site (BHS) | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
MENU
Home

Periodically curated articles and updates on national and international developments relevant for UPSC Civil Services Examination.

Quick Links

High-quality MCQs and Mains Answer Writing to sharpen skills and reinforce learning every day.

Watch explainer and thematic concept-building videos under initiatives like Deep Dive, Master Classes, etc., on important UPSC topics.

ESC
  • After Mandasaru (Kandhamala district), Mahendragiri (Gajpati district), and Gandhamardan (Bargarh & Bolangir districts), Gupteswar is also declared as BHS. 

 

  • About Gupteswar forest 
    • Location: Adjacent to Gupteswar Shiva temple (a natural limestone cave shrine). 
    • Significance: Holds sacred groves revered by the local community for generations and rich biodiversity. 
      • Key faunal species: Mugger crocodile, kanger valley rock gecko, and avifauna such as common hill myna, white-bellied woodpecker, and banded bay cuckoo, etc. 
      • Key floral species: Among others, forest has threatened medicinal plants such as the Indian trumpet tree, Indian snakeroot, Cumbi gum tree, Garlic pear tree, etc. 

 

  • About BHS 
    • BHS are unique ecosystems having rich biodiversity comprising of some specific components (refer to the infographics). 
    • Under Section 37 of Biological Diversity Act, 2002 State Government in consultation with local bodies may notify areas of biodiversity importance as BHS.
      • Also, State Government in consultation with Central Government may frame rules for management and conservation of BHS.
    • Creation of BHS may not put any restriction on prevailing practices and usages by local communities, other than those decided by them.

 

Watch Video News Today

Explore Related Content

Discover more articles, videos, and terms related to this topic

RELATED VIDEOS

3
News Today (Feb 14, 2024)

News Today (Feb 14, 2024)

YouTube HD
Carbon Markets

Carbon Markets

YouTube HD
What is Artificial Rain? | Deep Dive With VisionIAS

What is Artificial Rain? | Deep Dive With VisionIAS

YouTube HD
Title is required. Maximum 500 characters.

Search Notes

Filter Notes

Loading your notes...
Searching your notes...
Loading more notes...
You've reached the end of your notes

No notes yet

Create your first note to get started.

No notes found

Try adjusting your search criteria or clear the search.

Saving...
Saved

Please select a subject.

Referenced Articles

linked

No references added yet

Subscribe for Premium Features