Forests in the state of Himachal Pradesh (northern India) currently cover an area of nearly 37,939 square kilometres (14,648 sq mi), which is about 68.16% of the total land area of the state. The forests were once considered to be the main source of income of the state[1] and most of the original forests were clear felled. The emphasis has shifted, however, from exploitation to conservation. The state government aims to increase forest cover to 50% of the total land area. There have been various projects, including the establishment of protected areas such as National Parks, designed to preserve and expand the forests.
Preservation and nationalisation of forests
Steps are being taken to intensify environmental preservation and sustainable development in the Himachal Pradesh region. All remaining forests in Himachal Pradesh have been nationalised under the supervision of the officers like Indian forest service, Himachal Forest Service and seasoned Range/Dy.Range Forest Officers.[2] Felling of trees and sale of timber is now controlled by the State Forest Corporation, and an Enforcement Organisation has been established to prevent the illegal felling of trees and the smuggling of timber. Hunting has also been restricted.[3]
The government has created 33 Sanctuaries, and two National Parks. Additional national parks sites are proposed.[4]
Reforestation programs
A World Bank assisted Social Forestry Project has been launched. The aim of the project is to plant more trees for fuel, fodder, and timber to meet the basic requirements of the local people, thus avoiding depletion of the old growth forests. The deforested Kandi areas are also being reafforested in another project financially assisted by the World Bank.
Other programs
An integrated water shed department project for Shivaliks is also under construction.
Fact and figures
| Forest Cover (1996-1997) | Area |
|---|---|
| Reserved Forests | 1896 km². |
| Protected Forests | 33123 km². |
| Unclassed Forest | 886 km². |
| Other Forests | 370 km². |
| Forests not under control of Forest Department | 758 km². |
Sanctuaries and National Parks
Himachal Pradesh has five national parks and thirty-two wildlife sanctuaries, which are listed below:[5]
| Sanctuaries and National Parks | Area (km²) | Year of Notification |
|---|---|---|
| Great Himalayan National Park | 905.4 (2010),[6] originally 754.40[7] | 1984 |
| Inderkilla National Park | 104 | 2010 |
| Khirganga National Park | 710 | 2010 |
| Pin Valley National Park | 675 | 1987 |
| Simbalbara National Park | 27.88 (2010), originally 19.03[8] | 1958[7] |
| Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary | 41.32 | 1974 |
| Chail Wildlife Sanctuary | 108.54 | 1976 |
| Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary | 56.15 | 1985 |
| Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary | 167.00 | 1974 |
| Darlaghat Wildlife Sanctuary | 6.00 | 1974 |
| Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary | 943.98 | 1994 |
| Gamgul Siahbehi Wildlife Sanctuary | 108.85 | 1974 |
| Govind Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary | 100.34 | 1962 |
| Kais Wildlife Sanctuary | 14.19 | 1954 |
| Kalatop Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary | 30.69 | 1949 |
| Kanwar Wildlife Sanctuary | 61.57 | 1954 |
| Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary | 14.05 | 1954 |
| Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary | 2220.12 | 1992 |
| Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary | 378.86 | 1962 |
| Lippa Asrang Wildlife Sanctuary | 349 (2002), originally 30.89[9] | 1962 |
| Maharana Pratap Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary | 3207.29 | 1983 |
| Majthal Wildlife Sanctuary | 40.00 | 1974 |
| Manali Wildlife Sanctuary | 31.80 | 1954 |
| Naina Devi Wildlife Sanctuary | 123.00 | 1962 |
| Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary | 278.37 | 1974 |
| Raksham-Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary formerly Sangla Wildlife Sanctuary[10] | 304 (2001),[5][10] originally 650[7] | 1989 |
| Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary | 4.02 | 1964 |
| Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary | 269.00 | 1982 |
| Sainj Wildlife Sanctuary (merged into Great Himalayan National Park in 2010)[6] | 90.00 | 1994[7] |
| Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary | 102.95 | 1974 |
| Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary | 72.00 | 1974 |
| Shilli Wildlife Sanctuary | 2.13 | 1974 |
| Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary | 10.25 | 1958 |
| Talra Wildlife Sanctuary | 26.00 | 1962 |
| Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuary (merged into Great Himalayan National Park in 2010)[6] | 61 | 1994[7] |
| Tundah Wildlife Sanctuary | 64 | 1962 |
Gallery
Barking deer (HP wildlife)
Snow Leopard (HP wildlife)
Deer (Kufri, nature park)
References
- ↑ Sharma, L. R. (1987). The Economy of Himachal Pradesh: Growth and Structure: a Study in Development Performance. Delhi: Mittal Publications. OCLC 16352893.
- ↑ Vasan, Sudha (2002). "Ethnography of the forest guard: contrasting discourses, conflicting roles and policy implementation". Economic and Political Weekly. 37 (40): 4125–4133. JSTOR 4412694.
- ↑ "Himachal Pradesh: Economy: Forest in Himachal". WebIndia 123. 2000.
- ↑ "Himachal Tourism Department". Archived from the original on 24 March 2010. Retrieved 12 May 2020.
- 1 2 "National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries of Himachal Pradesh". Wildlife Institute of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. 22 January 2014.
- 1 2 3 Sainj WLS and Tirthan WLS were merged into the Great Himalayan National Park in 2010. Department of Forest, Government of Himachal Pradesh (28 July 2010). "Department Notification Number FFE-B-F(6)11/2005, Great Himalayan National Park" (PDF). ENVIS Centre on Wildlife & Protected Areas. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 November 2017.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries of Himachal Pradesh". Wildlife Institute of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. 2000. Archived from the original on 24 December 2004.
- ↑ Department of Forest, Government of Himachal Pradesh (28 July 2010). "Department Notification Number FFE-B-F(6)11/2005, Simbalbara National Park" (PDF). ENVIS Centre on Wildlife & Protected Areas. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 November 2017.
- ↑ Department of Forests, Government of Himachal Pradesh (16 March 2002). "Department Notification Number FFE-B-F(6)-2/99-II, Lipa Asrang Wild Life Sanctuary" (PDF). Wildlife Institute of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.
- 1 2 Sangla Wildlife Sanctuary was renamed and decreased in size in 2001. Department of Forest, Government of Himachal Pradesh (7 September 2001). "Department Notification Number FFE-B-F(6)2199-II, Rakchham-Chhitkul Wildlife Sanctuary" (PDF). ENVIS Centre on Wildlife & Protected Areas. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 November 2017.
