Dharamshala:In a debt-ridden state like Himachal Pradesh that has liabilities amounting to nearly Rs 1 lakh crore, questions are being raised over the decision of policymakers and top bureaucrats to invest crores of rupees in Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary through various tourism projects funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as the returns have been miniscule.
Over the past three years, the sanctuary generated meagre earnings for the government, something that would fall below the income of a small shopkeeper. In the financial year 2022-23, the sanctuary earned only Rs 2,16,810.
“Even a small shopkeeper or a roadside teaseller will make more than that it in a year,” said BJP leader from Dehra Hoshyar Singh.
According to government records, the earnings of this sanctuary in the financial year 2023-24 were around Rs 2,40,000.
The number of tourists visiting this place has decreased significantly. In 2021-22, when the sanctuary earned Rs 8,81,680, it saw 4,956 tourists. This year, the number dropped to around 2,000 tourists.
The number of birds visiting the sanctuary has also declined. In 2021-22, 110 species of birds, totaling 1,10,309 individuals, arrived. In 2022-23, the number was 1,17,022. However, in 2023-24, the number of species decreased to 86, with a total of 83,555 birds.
Govt to redetermine sanctuary boundaries
Well-placed sources said that the government is in the process of redetermining the boundaries of the wildlife sanctuary, and further decisions regarding the area of the eco-sensitive zone will be taken.
Re-determination to ease farmer-police issues
The exercise of redetermination is expected to ease the ongoing issues between farmers and the police in the area. In the past, several police cases were registered against farmers conducting agricultural activities in this wetland. Four Assembly constituencies are directly affected by the issues of farmers in the wetland.
Crores wasted, Pong tourism projects neglected
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) allocated around Rs 1,300 crore for tourism development in Himachal Pradesh, with more promised for Pong. However, despite crores already spent, the area’s infrastructure remains defunct, largely due to the inaction of top officials in the tourism department.
A notable failed project includes huts in Nagrota Surian and tents and cottages near the Pong Dam lake in Dhameta. These were built at a cost of Rs 3.5 crore during the previous Congress government (2012-17) using ADB funds. Although a Rs 7 crore budget was proposed for redevelopment by the Forest Department, nothing has been done, leaving the facilities unused and neglected.
