Which is the first National Park established in India?
VerifiedAnswer: Corbett National Park
Explanation:
Corbett National Park holds the special distinction of being India's first national park, established in 1936. Located in the beautiful state of Uttarakhand, this park was originally named Hailey National Park after Sir Malcolm Hailey, who was the Governor of the United Provinces at that time.
The park was later renamed in 1957 to honor Jim Corbett, a legendary hunter-turned-conservationist who played a crucial role in its establishment. Jim Corbett was famous for hunting man-eating tigers and leopards in the region during the early 20th century, but he later became a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation and photography.
Spanning across approximately 520 square kilometers, Corbett National Park is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, covering parts of Nainital and Pauri districts in Uttarakhand. The park is famous for being home to the magnificent Bengal tiger and was also the location where India's Project Tiger conservation program was launched in 1973.
The park's diverse ecosystem includes grasslands, riverine belts, marshy depressions, and dense forests, making it an ideal habitat for various wildlife species. Apart from tigers, visitors can spot elephants, leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and over 600 species of birds. The Ramganga River flows through the park, adding to its natural beauty and providing water sources for the wildlife.
Today, Corbett National Park serves as a model for wildlife conservation in India and continues to attract nature lovers, photographers, and researchers from around the world. Its establishment marked the beginning of India's serious commitment to preserving its natural heritage and protecting endangered species for future generations.
