The Ramganga River flows through
Corbett Tiger Reserve dividing the park in half. It is the lifeline of Corbett
Tiger Reserve providing a perennial water source for wildlife in the area. A
number of rivulets feed the Ramganga inside the park. Some well – known ones
are Dhulwa Sot, Kothidunga Sot and Gorkha
Sot to name a few. The Mandal, Palain and Sonanadi Rivers are the main
tributaries of the Ramganga in Corbett Tiger Reserve.
The Ramganga River was dammed in
1974 by an earthern dam known as the Kalagarh Dam at the southern periphery of
the park leading to the formation of a reservoir of approximately 84 sq. km. known as the Kalagarh Reservoir. The dynamics of this reservoir is not well understood but aquatic fauna have
seem to like the new environs of this Himalayan River and its
reservoir.
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| A Corbett Sunset over the Kalagarh Reservoir |
The Ramganga River meets the
Kalagarh Reservoir at the Dhikala grasslands. The grasslands
remain submerged for a few months after the monsoon and once dam gates are
opened waters recede exposing sand and mudflats which are soon colonized by
various grasses and plants.
The Ramganga River upstream of
Dhikala is characterized by banks with river stones and a few sandy stretches. An
unusual environment for crocs but it is home to Gharial, Mugger and Freshwater
Turtles. The Crocodile Point on the Ramganga River is a good place for park
visitors to observe a small population of the Ramganga Crocs spending hours
basking in winter months. The adult male is quite large and there are a few
females and sub-adult gharial here to alongwith the occasional mugger. Fish in
the Ramganga is plentiful including the Mighty Mahseer and the Goonch.
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| The Ramganga Male |
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| The Crocs of Crocodile Point |
Do stop over at Crocodile Point
for a view of these endangered Crocs whenever you are in the Park. It would be
quite a treat……!!!!
