PLACES IN NEWS 31st DECEMBER 2024

Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Why in news?

A fire broke out outside Mumbai's Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), a vital green lung of the city, causing temporary alarm.

The blaze was reported in the peripheral area near the park’s boundaries, raising concerns about potential damage to the surrounding environment and wildlife.

About Sanjay Gandhi National Park:

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1. Geography:

• Sanjay Gandhi National Park, located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, spans approximately 87 square kilometres, making it one of the world's largest protected urban areas.
• It lies at the northern end of the city, flanked by urban developments, and serves as a crucial green lung for Mumbai's densely populated regions.
• The park's geographical features include rugged terrain, dense forests, and scenic trails, with the Kanheri Caves offering a glimpse into ancient Buddhist history.

2. Flora and Fauna:

• The park boasts a rich biodiversity, hosting a variety of flora that includes moist deciduous forests, bamboo groves, and an array of wildflowers.
• Its plant life supports numerous ecological functions, such as carbon sequestration and maintaining groundwater levels.
• The fauna within the park is equally diverse, with species like leopards, spotted deer, blackbucks, and civets thriving in its sanctuary.
• The park is also home to over 270 bird species, 170 butterfly varieties, and reptiles, making it a hotspot for conservation and ecotourism.

3. Recent incident and its impact:

• A recent fire broke out outside the park; the exact reason is not known but likely caused by human activities such as illegal dumping or carelessness, which often trigger such incidents in dry seasons.
• Urban encroachment and unregulated land use around the park exacerbate these risks, creating conditions where fires can easily ignite and spread.
• The presence of dry vegetation during the winter season can act as fuel, intensifying the flames and threatening the park’s periphery.
• Although the fire was quickly extinguished, it posed significant risks to the ecosystem. Fires near the park can lead to habitat destruction for wildlife, soil degradation, and the release of pollutants into the air.
• The event highlights the fragile balance between urban expansion and natural preservation, emphasising the need for robust protective measures and awareness campaigns to prevent such occurrences in the future.
• The incident also draws attention to the park's role as an ecological buffer for Mumbai. It mitigates urban heat islands, regulates local climate, and provides a habitat for species that would otherwise face displacement due to urbanization.
• Fires, even those restricted to the park's outskirts, underscore the urgency of addressing environmental challenges and ensuring the protection of critical green spaces amidst growing urban pressures.
   

Srisailam temple

Why in news?

1. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has unearthed a remarkable cache of ancient artifacts, including copper plates, gold coins, and inscriptions, at the Srisailam temple in Andhra Pradesh.

About Srisailam temple:

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• Srisailam Temple, also known as Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple, stands as one of India’s most revered shrines, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
• It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and 18 Shakti Peethas, making it a significant pilgrimage destination for devotees across India.
• The temple is situated on the Nallamala Hills in Andhra Pradesh, surrounded by dense forests and rocky terrain. Its elevated location offers stunning views, creating a serene ambiance for pilgrims and visitors.
• The nearby Krishna River, which flows through the region, adds to the temple’s scenic beauty and religious significance. Devotees often take a holy dip in its waters before offering prayers, believing it purifies their body and soul.

1. History and Architecture:

• Historical records trace its establishment to ancient times, with references in sacred texts like the Mahabharata and the Skanda Purana.
• Dynasties such as the Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, and Vijayanagara kings patronised the temple, contributing to its architectural grandeur.
• The temple's architecture reflects a mix of Chalukyan and Vijayanagara styles, adorned with intricate carvings that narrate mythological tales.
• The sanctum sanctorum houses the Mallikarjuna Swamy Lingam and the idol of Goddess Bhramaramba.
• Devotees believe the temple’s spiritual aura is amplified by its age-old traditions and rituals, which continue to be practiced with devotion.

2. Cultural and Religious significance:

• The temple is a hub of cultural and religious activities, attracting millions of pilgrims, especially during festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Navaratri.
• Its rich traditions include the performance of daily rituals, Vedic chants, and cultural programs that celebrate its heritage. Pilgrims believe visiting Srisailam fulfils spiritual aspirations and grants divine blessings, making it a sacred pilgrimage for Hindus.
• Srisailam is also referred to as Sri Parvata and Kailasa of the South, highlighting its spiritual prominence. The nearby Akka Mahadevi Caves and Pathala Ganga are popular spots for exploration and devotion, adding to the holistic experience of the pilgrimage.
   

Sandeshkhali, West Bengal

Why in news?

1. Sandeshkhali, located near the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal, has been a hotspot for socio-political unrest tied to allegations of land grabs and harassment.
2. Protests erupted in early 2024, with local residents accusing certain political leaders of exploiting their power to seize land and engage in harassment, particularly targeting women.
    

About Sandeshkhali:

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• Sandeshkhali, situated in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, lies near the India-Bangladesh border. The region is part of the Sundarbans delta, known for its mangrove forests and intricate network of rivers and creeks.
• Sandeshkhali’s proximity to the border and its position within this ecologically sensitive zone make it both geographically significant and vulnerable to socio-political and environmental challenges.

1. Cross Border issues:

• Sandeshkhali, sometimes referred to as the Sundarban Gateway, serves as a critical point for border interactions. Its location near the Indo-Bangladesh border makes it a hub for cross-border movements, both legal and illegal.
• Smuggling of goods, including cattle and contraband items, has been a persistent issue. The region also sees frequent unauthorised human migrations, complicating border security and fostering tensions between communities on both sides of the border.
• The porous nature of the border in Sandeshkhali has resulted in periodic tensions. Local residents often face challenges related to policing and surveillance as security forces attempt to curb illegal activities. Reports of clashes between border patrols and smugglers are common, and such incidents impact the lives of villagers, who sometimes become collateral victims in the larger geopolitical disputes.

2. Political issues:

• Political issues have also plagued Sandeshkhali in recent years. In 2024, allegations of land grabbing and harassment by local political leaders brought the region into the spotlight.
• Accusations pointed towards the misuse of power by influential figures, with residents claiming they were coerced into giving up their land.
• Women reported instances of harassment, further fuelling unrest. These issues culminated in widespread protests, where affected individuals sought justice and government intervention.
• Sandeshkhali’s strategic and ecological importance adds another layer of complexity to its challenges. As part of the Sundarbans, the region plays a crucial role in protecting coastal areas from cyclones and sustaining biodiversity. However, unchecked political exploitation, border tensions, and environmental degradation threaten its stability. Illegal encroachments and human-induced changes in land use patterns disrupt the delicate balance of this area.
• Despite these challenges, Sandeshkhali holds significant potential for growth and development. Initiatives to bolster border security, provide legal land rights, and promote sustainable livelihoods could transform the region. Authorities must prioritise resolving local grievances and enhancing transparency to foster trust among residents.
   

Somalia

Why in news?

Somalia continues to grapple with the dual crises of extremism and hunger, plunging the nation into relentless turmoil.
 

About Somalia:

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1. Geography:

• Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa, is bordered by Ethiopia, Djibouti, the Indian Ocean, and Kenya.
• The country’s geography is diverse, with a coastal plain along the Indian Ocean and mountainous regions in the north.
• The central region consists mainly of plateaus and desert, while the south is marked by fertile agricultural land, watered by the Juba and Shabelle rivers.
• The climate is predominantly arid and semi-arid, with periodic droughts affecting much of the country.

2. Civil and Humanitarian Crisis:

• Somalia has been grappling with severe political instability for decades. Since the civil war erupted in the early 1990s, the country has lacked a strong central government, and various factions have fought for control.
• The country remains divided, with different regions controlled by various armed groups, including Al-Shabaab, a militant Islamist group.
• The capital city, Mogadishu, has faced ongoing violence, but it has seen some improvements in security in recent years, with the help of international peacekeeping forces. However, violence and instability persist in many areas.
• One of the most pressing issues in Somalia is hunger. Droughts are frequent, and the country's vulnerability to climate change has worsened the situation.
• In recent years, food insecurity has reached alarming levels, with millions of people relying on international aid.
• The ongoing conflict has made it difficult for humanitarian organisations to deliver aid in some regions, particularly in the southern and central parts of the country.
• Somaliland, located in the northwest, has declared itself independent but remains unrecognised internationally, adding to the complex political landscape.
• The country also suffers from widespread poverty, a lack of infrastructure, and a weak healthcare system, all of which contribute to the suffering of the population. The lack of effective governance and resources has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.

3. Regions in news:

• Somali regions often in the news include Mogadishu, the volatile capital; Somaliland, which continues to push for independence; and Puntland, which is semi-autonomous and has its own local government.
• Additionally, the Bay and Bakool regions, where Al-Shabaab frequently operates, are often highlighted due to their involvement in violence and instability.
• Somalia’s challenges are compounded by the global war on terror, which has led to foreign military intervention, further complicating the political dynamics.

 

UPSC CSE PYQ Q. Which one of the following countries has been suffering from decades old civil strife and food shortages and was in news in the recent past for its very severe famine? (2023) Angola Costa Rica Ecuador Somalia Answer: Option D Q2. Consider the following pairs:   Place of Pilgrim Location Srisailam Nallamala Hills Omkareshwar Satmala Hills Pushkar Mahadeo Hills   Which of the above is/are correctly matched? (2015) 1 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Answer: Option A

 

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