Context: Forest fires that erupted in several parts of Phawngpui National Park, Mizoram, have affected nearly one-ninth of the park’s total area, according to state forest officials.

Meaninf of the context: The fire originated from slash-and-burn (jhum) cultivation near Archhuang village on March 11, 2025, and spread into forest zones of the park.

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• Establishment: Notified as a National Park in 1997, though often cited as established in 1992 for conservation planning.
• Area: Covers 50 sq. km, encompassing Phawngpui Peak, Mizoram’s highest point at 2,157 meters above sea level.
• Location: Situated in Lawngtlai District, southeastern Mizoram, under the Lai Autonomous District Council, near the India-Myanmar border.
• Named after Phawngpui Peak, derived from the Lai language: “phong” (meadow) and “pui” (great), reflecting its grassy ridges. Alternatively, means ‘Place of bamboo grass’ in Lai-Pawi dialect.
• Called Blue Mountain due to clouds veiling the peak, giving it a blue hue from afar.
• Features steep cliffs (e.g., Thlazuang Khâm, a semi-circular precipice), natural grasslands (e.g., Far Pak), and the Chhimtuipui River (Kalodyne) along its eastern boundary, marking the Myanmar border.
• Flora:
  • Dominated by sub-tropical broadleaf and tropical evergreen forests, with patches of Himalayan oak, Indian pine, and bamboo groves.
  • Rich in orchids, rhododendrons, daphnia flowers, therapeutic basil, and rare bamboo species (e.g., Eulalia triplicate).
  • Grasslands and wildflowers enhance its scenic beauty.
• Fauna:
  • Notable Mammals: Clouded leopard, Hoolock gibbon, Slow loris, Malayan sun bear.
  • Birds: Blyth’s tragopan, Mrs. Hume’s pheasant (Mizoram’s state bird), Wreathed hornbill, Fire-tailed sunbird, Grey sibia, Dark-rumped swift, Mt. Victoria babax.

Source : Hindustan Times