Nachan DFO Surinder Kashyap, Chief Conservator of Forests Ajit Thakur lead conservation efforts
Mandi (Munish Sood)
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), through Notification No. S.O. 41(E) dated January 5, 2022, declared areas varying from 50 metres to 2 km around the Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh as an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ).
This significant step aims to protect the sanctuary’s rich biodiversity while ensuring sustainable development in the surrounding areas. The implementation of this notification, however, has presented formidable challenges to forest officials working relentlessly under the leadership of Nachan Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Surinder Kashyap and Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Ajit Thakur.
Speaking exclusively to The Newz Radar, CCF Ajit Thakur said, “The notification is a landmark decision for biodiversity conservation in the region. However, implementing it is a complex task, requiring a balance between protecting the sanctuary and addressing the concerns of local communities. Our teams are working round the clock to ensure smooth execution.”
Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary: A biodiversity and watershed treasure
Spread over an area of 29.94 sq km, the Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 103 km from Shimla via Karsog and 15 km from Janjehli in Mandi district. Its headquarters is located in Karsog and the sanctuary is strategically significant as it acts as an upper catchment for the Satluj and Beas rivers.
The sanctuary’s steep slopes are prone to soil erosion, highlighting its role in regulating water flow and preventing sedimentation in these crucial river systems. The area’s ecological health directly impacts the livelihood and water security of downstream communities, making its conservation even more critical.
Additionally, the sanctuary is renowned for its ecological and cultural significance. Named after Goddess Shikari Devi, it is a biodiversity hotspot hosting species like snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deer and monals. Birdlife International has recognised it as an important bird area due to its rich avian diversity.
Why ESZ designation matters
The designation of the surrounding areas as an ESZ aligns with India’s Wildlife Conservation Action Plan and the Environmental Protection Act, 1986. It aims to:
- Mitigate the negative effects of urbanisation and unregulated development.
- Preserve the sanctuary’s unique flora, fauna and heritage.
- Reduce human-wildlife conflicts and safeguard local communities.
- Promote sustainable eco-tourism.
DFO Surinder Kashyap emphasised, “This ESZ is not just a buffer zone, but it’s a protective shield for Shikari Devi’s fragile ecosystem. Our objective is to conserve biodiversity while promoting sustainable livelihoods for local residents.”
Challenges in Implementation
The implementation of the ESZ notification poses several challenges for forest officials:
- Human pressure: With 40 villages inside the sanctuary and many more in the surrounding areas, grazing, fuelwood collection and minor forest produce harvesting are common practices.
- Illegal activities: Poaching and tree felling remain significant threats despite strict vigilance.
- Community resistance: Educating locals about the importance of the ESZ and addressing their concerns over restricted activities requires constant dialogue and engagement.
- Pilgrim impact: The annual religious fair at the Shikari Devi temple sees a massive influx of pilgrims, adding pressure on natural resources.
- “We are working tirelessly to raise awareness among the local population while strictly monitoring prohibited activities like mining, illegal construction, and poaching,” Kashyap stated.
Forest officials work round the clock
CCF Ajit Thakur highlighted the tireless efforts of forest officials, saying, “Our teams are on the ground every day, mapping sensitive zones, conducting biodiversity surveys and engaging with communities. The work is intensive, but the commitment of our staff is unwavering.”
To streamline implementation, the Forest Department has initiated a Zone Management Plan (ZMP) focusing on:
Biodiversity conservation: Identifying vulnerable species and preserving critical habitats.
Regulating activities: Allowing only eco-friendly practices such as organic farming and renewable energy projects.
Eco-tourism development: Promoting sustainable tourism opportunities that benefit local communities without harming the environment.
Strict monitoring: Strengthening patrolling and enforcement to curb illegal activities.
Model for sustainable development
The eco-sensitive zone serves as a “shock absorber” for the sanctuary, transitioning from high-protection areas to less-protected ones. This initiative aims to reduce human impact, promote in-situ conservation of endangered species, and safeguard the livelihoods of local communities.
The efforts of DFO Surinder Kashyap and CCF Ajit Thakur are drawing widespread recognition as they work diligently to ensure that the sanctuary’s ecological integrity remains intact while fostering sustainable development in the region.
“The Shikari Devi ESZ is a blueprint for how conservation and development can go hand in hand. We are committed to making this a success story for Himachal Pradesh and the rest of the country,” Thakur concluded.
Role model for sustainable conservation
The notification sets a precedent for conservation initiatives across India. By protecting the Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary and its surroundings, the government aims to preserve the region’s natural heritage for generations to come. As the implementation progresses, the collaboration between forest officials, local communities, and policymakers will be crucial in achieving this vision.
This initiative, though challenging, promises to transform the Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary into a model of sustainable conservation, balancing ecological preservation with human development.
Amid growing opposition to the Eco-Sensitive Zone, the administration has made changes to the proposed plans in the Zonal Master Plan. All departments and affected panchayats have now been asked to submit long-term proposals spanning 15 to 20 years.
An additional five days have been granted for this purpose, allowing submissions for the Rural Master Plan until January 25.
Seraj BDO Priyanka Verma stated that earlier panchayats were only asked to provide a one-year master plan. However, after discussions with the Forest Department, each panchayat has been instructed to prepare a comprehensive master plan for the next 15 to 20 years.
Proposals Requested by January 25
Thunag SDM Ramesh Kumar said there was a lack of awareness among officials and employees of various departments regarding the eco-sensitive zone. The Forest Department has now provided detailed information about the proposed plans.
Narendra Reddy, the convener of the Eco-Sensitive Zone Struggle Committee, mentioned that awareness campaigns are being conducted at the village level.
Nachan DFO Surendra Kashyap noted that misconceptions are spreading due to a lack of accurate information about the eco-sensitive zone. Providing people with the correct details will help clear confusion and ensure better convenience, he said.
