In a significant move to honor Sikh heritage, a wildlife sanctuary in Punjab has been officially renamed after the Ninth Sikh Guru. The decision, taken by the state's wildlife board, marks a tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur's legacy and connects it with environmental conservation.
Official Nod for the Renaming
The standing committee of the Punjab State Board for Wildlife has given its formal approval to rename the Jhajjar-Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuary. Henceforth, the protected area in the Rupnagar district will be known as the Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Wildlife Sanctuary. The proposal for this change was forwarded by Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains.
Punjab's Forests and Wildlife Preservation Minister, Lal Chand Kataruchak, highlighted the timing of this decision. He noted that the 350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur was observed with great religious fervor at Anandpur Sahib on November 25 last year. The renaming is seen as a lasting tribute following those commemorations.
Details of the Sanctuary
The sanctuary, now bearing the Guru's name, is a substantial natural reserve. It is spread across a total area of 289 acres, encompassing parts of three villages: Jhajjar, Bachauli, and Lamlehri.
The land distribution among these villages is as follows:
- 218 acres are located in Jhajjar village.
- 55 acres fall within Bachauli village.
- The remaining 16 acres are situated in Lamlehri village.
Legal Protection and Significance
The entire 289-acre expanse was formally declared a wildlife sanctuary under Section 18(1) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This legal designation is crucial for ensuring the protection and preservation of the local flora and fauna. The renaming not only honors a revered spiritual figure but also brings greater cultural and historical recognition to this important ecological zone.
This act of renaming a natural reserve after Guru Tegh Bahadur intertwines the state's rich spiritual history with its commitment to environmental stewardship. It is expected to enhance the sanctuary's profile and potentially foster a deeper sense of community responsibility towards wildlife conservation in the region.
