‘MOUNT HARRIET’ TO ‘MOUNT MANIPUR’

‘MOUNT HARRIET’ TO ‘MOUNT MANIPUR’

Context:

After Manipur, the Centre renamed the Andaman and Nicobar Islands' 'Mount Harriet', where Manipur's Maharaja Kulchandra Dhwaj Singh and 22 other freedom fighters were imprisoned, as 'Mount Manipur' in their honour. The 'Mount Harriet National Park' has been renamed as the 'Mount Manipur National Park'.

About Mount Manipur National Park:

• It is a national park located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• It was established in 1969.
• It covers about 4.62 km2 (18.00 mi2).
• Mount Harriet (383 metres), which is part of the park, is the 3rd-highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago next to Saddle Peak (732 metres) in North Andaman and Mount Thullier (568 metres) in Great Nicobar.
• The picture on the backside of the ₹ 20 note is taken from Mount Harriet National Park.

Flora and Fauna of the Park:

• Faunal species are Andaman wild pigs (an endangered species), saltwater crocodiles, turtles and robber crabs.
• The park is also a butterfly hotspot.

Geography of the Park:

• Mount Harriet National Park was originally a reserve forest that was converted into a national park in 1979.
• It encompasses an area of 4,662 hectares, which is likely to be extended to cover an additional area of 1,700 hectares to include adjoining mountain ranges and the marine ecosystem on the eastern coast.