Protected areas of Himachal Pradesh

Forests in Himachal Pradesh currently cover an area of nearly 21,325 square kilometres (8,234 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 and some 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

Sanctuaries and National Parks

Himachal Pradesh has two national parks and thirty-two wildlife sanctuaries, which are listed below:^[3]

Gallery

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  Barking deer (HP wildlife)

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  Snow Leopard (HP wildlife)

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  Deer (Kufri, nature park)

References

External links

• himachaltourism.nic.in
• hptdc.gov.in

v t e Geography of Himachal Pradesh Lakes Renuka Lake Maharana Pratap Sagar Gobind Sagar more... Rivers Beas Chenab Ravi Sutlej Yamuna Districts Bilaspur Chamba Hamirpur Kangra Kinnaur Kullu Lahaul and Spiti Mandi Sirmaur Shimla Solan Una Other Climate of Himachal Pradesh Protected areas of Himachal Pradesh List of peaks in Himachal Pradesh