Protected areas of Himachal Pradesh
Forests in Himachal Pradesh currently cover an area of nearly 37,691 square kilometres (14,553 sq mi), which is about 38.3% of the total land area of the state. The forests were once considered to be the main source of income of the state 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. 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 smuggling of timber. Hunting has also been restricted.[1]
The government has created 33 Sanctuaries, two National Parks. Additional national parks sites are proposed.[2]
Reafforestation 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 two national parks and thirty-two wildlife sanctuaries, which are listed below:[3]
| Sanctuaries and National Parks | Area (km²) | Year of Notification |
|---|---|---|
| Great Himalayan National Park[4] | 905.40 | 1984 |
| Pin Valley National Park | 675 | 1987 |
| 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 | 30.89 | 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 |
| Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary | 4.02 | 1964 |
| Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary | 269.00 | 1982 |
| Sainj Wildlife Sanctuary | 90.00 | 1994 |
| Sangla (Raksham Chitkul) Wildlife Sanctuary | 650.00 | 1989 |
| 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 |
| Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary | 19.03 | 1958 |
| Talra Wildlife Sanctuary | 26.00 | 1962 |
Gallery
Barking deer (HP wildlife)
Snow Leopard (HP wildlife)
Deer (Kufri, nature park)
