Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the state’s wildlife wing to compile a panchayat-wise census of the monkey population across the state. This directive was issued during a meeting of the State Board for Wildlife, which convened to review and approve various proposals concerning the diversion of forestland for critical infrastructure development along the state’s borders and for other public projects.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the State Board for Wildlife granted its approval for the diversion of 1.78 hectares of forestland. This land is earmarked for the establishment of two border outposts: one at Muhal Lalung and another at Dhar Chokula, located in the Spiti subdivision of Lahaul and Spiti district. These outposts are intended to serve the 17th Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), based in Reckong Peo.
Further approvals included the diversion of 1.60 hectares of forestland in Kinnaur district. This parcel is designated for the creation of a forward post at Nithal Thach, which will be operated by the 2nd Battalion of the ITBP, headquartered at the Babeli Camp in Kullu district. The board also gave the go-ahead for the diversion of forestland within the Rakcham-Chhitkul Wildlife Sanctuary. This diversion is specifically for the development of military infrastructure situated along the northern border at Nagasti, within the Sangla tehsil of Kinnaur district. These strategic infrastructure projects aim to enhance border security and surveillance capabilities.
In addition to border-related infrastructure, the board also sanctioned the diversion of 4.72 hectares of forestland located within the Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary. This approval is for the widening and subsequent upgrade of the Bhulah-Shikari Devi road. The Public Works Department’s Seraj division in Mandi district will undertake this road improvement project, which is expected to enhance connectivity in the region.
The meeting also saw the approval for the establishment of an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) and intermediates manufacturing unit. This industrial project, to be undertaken by CMG Biotech Private Limited, will be situated at plot numbers 53 and 54 in Phase I of the Sansarpur Terrace industrial area in Kangra district. The establishment of such a unit is anticipated to contribute to the industrial growth and employment opportunities within the Kangra region.
The directive for a panchayat-wise monkey population count underscores a growing concern over human-wildlife conflict in Himachal Pradesh, particularly the issues arising from the increasing number of monkeys. Local communities have frequently reported damage to crops and property, and instances of public nuisance attributed to the primate population. Chief Minister Sukhu’s emphasis on collecting data at the panchayat level suggests a move towards a more localized and data-driven approach to managing the primate population. This detailed data is expected to inform future policy decisions and intervention strategies aimed at mitigating the impact of monkeys on rural life and agricultural activities in the state.
The approvals granted for forestland diversion highlight the ongoing development initiatives in Himachal Pradesh. The projects span sectors crucial for national security, such as border outposts for the ITBP, and essential public infrastructure like road upgrades. The concurrent focus on industrial development, with the approval for the API manufacturing unit, indicates a balanced approach to economic growth. The strategic location of these border infrastructure projects in Spiti and Kinnaur districts, areas that share borders with sensitive regions, underscores their importance in bolstering national security architecture in the Himalayan region.
The State Board for Wildlife plays a crucial role in balancing developmental needs with environmental conservation. By deliberating and approving proposals for forestland diversion, the board ensures that such diversions are undertaken with careful consideration for ecological impact and are in line with national and state environmental regulations. The approved projects, while requiring the diversion of forestland, are intended to serve significant public purposes, ranging from national security to the improvement of local infrastructure and the facilitation of industrial growth.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, has laid down guidelines for the diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes. These guidelines mandate thorough impact assessments and require compensatory afforestation measures. Projects approved by the State Board for Wildlife are subject to these national regulations and typically require further clearances from the central government. The ITBP outposts and military infrastructure projects in border areas are particularly critical, enabling the border guarding forces to maintain a strong presence and respond effectively to any security challenges.
The decision to approve the manufacturing unit in Kangra district aligns with the state government’s broader objectives to promote industrialization and create employment. The pharmaceutical sector is a key area of focus for economic development in many Indian states, and Himachal Pradesh aims to leverage its potential. The Sansarpur Terrace industrial area has been developed to attract investment and facilitate the establishment of various industries, contributing to the state’s economic diversification.
The comprehensive agenda addressed by the State Board for Wildlife reflects the multi-faceted developmental priorities of the Himachal Pradesh government. From ensuring the security of its borders to improving the quality of life for its citizens through better infrastructure and fostering economic opportunities, the state is pursuing a strategic development path. The Chief Minister’s engagement in these crucial meetings signifies his administration’s commitment to addressing key challenges and advancing the state’s progress on multiple fronts, while also paying attention to environmental considerations through the wildlife board’s oversight.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
