Hathinala Biodiversity Hotspot

Dumaria Mithailal, Uttar Pradesh 231208

Overiew

Renukoot lies in the southeast-most part of Uttar Pradesh and is located next to Shakti Nagar, Anpara at an average elevation of 283 MSL. Renukoot is also surrounded by thick cover of well-preserved forests that keep the temperatures comparatively low especially after the rains.

The Hathinala forests of Renukoot forest division owes its name to a main drainage hilly rivulet, "HATHINALA", is the representative of Vindhyan Forests and is rich in keystone species of Hardwickia binnata which is rare and endemic to this area whiah is a proposed bio-diversity hot spot. The area is very rich in bio-diversity owing to presence of wide spectrum of fauna and flora. Hathinala Bio Diversity Hotspot is situated on Reewa-Ranchi Road NH 75E road and it is 54km from Sonebhadra district head quarter, Robertsganj and 17km. from Renukoot forest division head quarter.

The Hathinala Forests of the Renukoot forest Division owes its name to a main drainage hilly rivulet. "HATHINALA" is the representative of Vindhya Forests. The forest area under consideration is the hilly catchments area of the "HATHINALA" with Dry Peninsular Sal Forests (5B/C1) in slope along Hathinala and subsidiary rivulets, Northern Dry-mixed Deciduous Forests (5B/C1) in the tops of the hills and ridges mixed with Hardwickia binnata(Parsiddh) Forest (5/E4). The forest is rich in Keystone species of Hardwickia binnata which is rare and endemic to the proposed bio-diversity hot spot. The area is very rich in bio-diversity owing to presence of wide spectrum of fauna and flora.

Cultural Aspect

The village have mostly tribal populations mainly of Gond, Kharwar, Chero/Baiga etc. The communities traditionally have forest rights of collection of NWFP mainly tendu leaves, Mahua, Chironji, gums, Honey, medicinal herbs and plants and fuel wood etc. The village community comprises mostly BPL forest dependent households. The community has shown their interest in managing the area with hope of increasing their income from their participation in ecotourism which pave the way of sustainable management of ecosystem and conservation of biodiversity.

Climate

Summers peak in May and June. Rain starts around third week of June. Hathinala is 1,400 feet above sea level, with nearby hills exceeding 2000 feet. This makes the weather in Renukoot and in Hathinala much less humid than in the nearby plain cities such as Varanasi and Mirzapur. Hathinala is also surrounded by thick well-preserved forests that keep the temperatures down- especially after the rain. Temperature tends to fall in the evening after sunset in the summer, making it much more pleasant in May and June as compared to cities such as a Varanasi and Lucknow. Once the rains start in July, the weather becomes much milder than in the plains of U.P, with low humidity, and pleasant temperatures in the evening falling into the low 20s. The weather is very pleasant from Dussehra to Holi, with the minimum temperatures between mid-December to mid-January dropping close to freezing (rarely dipping below zero degrees Celsius). Day time maximum in winter tends to be in the high teens in peak winter and low 20s in November and February. Humidity tends to be very low making the winters very pleasant. The lack of many big cities makes the nearby forests ideal for star-gazing.

Flora

The top canopy of forest area comprises of Sal, Asna, Mahua, Haldu, Salai, Parsiddha, Kari, Sandan, Jigan, vijaysal etc. Middle canopy comprises of Tendu, Khair, Siddha, Aonla, Piyar (Chiraunji), Kaoraiya, Dhaura, Kharhar etc. The ground flora and understorey comprises of Dhansai, Jharberi, Marorphal, Girhul (Neel), Manphal, Vantulsi etc. The lantana has also invaded the slope. The Climbers found are Gurch, Majurain, Panibel etc. Various medicinal plants such as satawar, Vanpyaj, Ram datum etc. are also found in this forests.

Fauna

The area has healthy population of Chinkara and Hyena and Wild bore.Sambhars are also occasionally seen. The nallah beds and slope are very rich in avifauna. Thrush is also seen in this area. The paradise flycatcher migrates in to this area for breeding during March to July. The area is also very rich in insects and flies, reptiles like monitor lizards, Chameleons. Rat snake, Cobra, vipers and craits are very common.

Important Natural Attractions

  • Landscape of the area comprising pristine dense forest .
  • Hathinala waterfall.
  • Nalla which is filled with water.
  • Representative of Vindhyan Forest, Rich in bio-diversity, rich in avifauna, insects and flies.
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Area (Geographical)

Hathinala is located at 24°17'59.76"N to 83°06'25.40"E. It has an average elevation of 283 metres (931 feet). Renukoot lies in the southeast-most part of Uttar Pradesh. The hotspot has an area of 4003-16 ha. Spread in Duddhi and Pipri Ranges.

Visitor Attractions

safari ride in katarniaghat

Wildlife Safari

Bird Watching at Katarniya

Bird Watching

Boating at Katarniya

Boating

Nature Trails

Photography Adventure

How to Reach

By Road

Frequent bus services from the Varanasi and Mirzapur.

By Rail

It is also connected with train. Renukoot and Chopan is the major railway station which is nearby to Hathinala. Renukoot has a railway station which is connected to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Jammu, Ranchi, Patna, Jabalpur, and Bhopal.

Nearest Airport

The nearest airports are Gaya Airport (130 km) and Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi (150 km). Another option is the airport in Varanasi (200 km), which is also accessible.

Best Time to Visit

1st October
to 30th June

Contact Numbers

Sr. No.Name of InstitutionAddressPhone Number
1.Renukoot Forest DivisionRenukoot (Sonebhadra)05446-252020
2.Forest Range office DuddhiDuddhi09453006794
3.Forest Range office PipriPipri09753006803
4.Police stationHathinala05447-222316
5.C.H.CDuddhi09793140804
6.TahsilDuddhi05446-222328
7.Block officeDuddhi9454465140