Forest of Ferozepur is situated in the south western corner of the Indian state of Punjab. The boundary of this division also coincides with the revenue district of Ferozepur. In the west it forms the border of India and Pakistan. Spanning over an area of 7064.50 hectares in the district of Ferozepur, it comprises 2.35 % of the total geographical area. Tropical dry deciduous forest mainly encompasses the region. Originally the place had little vegetation but later owing to the initiatives and managements of Forest Department it attained the form of scattered patches of scrub vegetation.
Features of Forest Division of Ferozepur
Previously compact forest could be rarely seen in forest division of Ferozepur. Most of the area comprised strips of lands which connected roads, canal including distributaries, escapes and minors, drains and railway lines. The area was raised to the status of Protected Forest by the Government of Punjab in the year 1953. In fact after the management of the area was took over by the Forest Department, substantial improvements have been observed in the overall condition of the forest. Most of the canals, drains and roads were completely covered with plantation, including the link roads.
Chak Sarkar Forest of Ferozepur
Chak Sarkar Forest, situated near the village Mamdot, is a block forest area of the forest division of Ferozepur which has been declared as a Reserved Forest by the Government of Punjab in 1953. The region constitutes some natural forest accompanied by artificial vegetation in rest of the area which together forms a compact area. The Chak Sarkar Forest is also home to several species of birds and animals.
Harike Wildlife Sanctuary
The Harike Wildlife Sanctuary is home to several birds including some migratory birds from Siberia and Arctic region. There are over 375 bird species in the sanctuary. Visitors can spot Duck, Common Teal, Shoveller, Brahminy Duck, Pintail and Wigeon in the sanctuary. Some animals such as Smooth Indian Otter, Indian Wild Boar, Jungle Cat, Common Mongoose and Jackal can also be found here. Around breeds of turtle and 27 different varieties of fish can also be located here.
