Forest Fires: Recent fires in Phawngpui National Park impacted approximately one-ninth of the park’s area.
Fire Under Control: The blazes were contained by March 28th with local assistance, minimizing the risk of a larger wildfire.
Location: The park is situated in southeastern Mizoram, near the India-Myanmar border. It’s also known as Blue Mountain National Park.
Significance: Phawngpui is Mizoram’s highest peak (2,157 meters).
Cultural Importance: The area is considered sacred by local Mizo people, believed to be inhabited by ancestral spirits.
Flora & Fauna: The park features montane subtropical forests with diverse flora, including oak, rhododendrons, and bamboo. It’s a habitat for rare birds like Blyth’s Tragopan and Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant (Mizoram’s state bird), as well as endangered mammals like the Slow Loris, Tiger, and Asiatic Black Bear.
“Blue Mountain” Name: The park is often enveloped in clouds, giving it a blue appearance from a distance.
