CHAPTER VI WILD LIFE IN THE STATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

Transcription

1 CHAPTER VI WILD LIFE IN THE STATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH I. Introduction A Sanskrit proverb holds that "a hundred divine epochs would not suffice to describe all the marvels of the Himalayas"- so long to describe, how much longer to understand. Modern scientific study of Himalayan ecology has touched a tiny tip of the knowledge to be learnt. ^ Wide altitudinal ranges and varied topography of Himachal Pradesh has resulted in making the State a very rich repository of the wild fauna and flora. Where the snow leopard, ibex, and snow cock lives in the cold deserts, the cold temperate regions of the State forms the natural habitat of musk deer, Himalayan tahr, brown bear, monal and western tragopan. The lower reaches of the State has sambher deer, barking deer, wild boar, ghoral and leopard among mammals and pheasants including cheer pheasant and white crested kaleej. The State has an inventory of more than 3,500 higher plants, many of which are endemic to the region and many from the basis of local health traditions.2 To conserve the entire range of bio-diversity in-situ, the State has established a network of 'protected areas', comprising two National Parks and 32 Sanctuaries. This network of protected area represents the myriad diversity of life in the North Western Himalayas. 1 See, Samnel Israel and Toby Sinclair, Indian Wildlife: Wildlife of the Himalaya, (1987) pl Also see. Annual Plan, , Govt, of H. P. 174

2 Wildlife Fact Sheet in Himachal Pradesh Area under Protected Area Network National Park- (2) Sanctuaries- (32) 1440 km km2 Recorded taxa of higher plants >3500 Recorded species of mammals 77 Recorded species of Birds 463 Recorded species of reptiles 44 Recorded species of fish 80 Recorded species of aquatic fauna 516^ II. Wild Life Legislation in the State of Himachal Pradesh Subject related to wild life and its conservation India draws its strength from Article 48-A of the Directive Principles of State Policy under the Constitution of India, and Article 51-A (g), specifying the Fundamental Duties of the citizens of India. The primary law governing matters relating to wildlife in the country is the Wild Life (Protection) Act, The State of Himachal Pradesh has adopted this Act and subsequent amendments as the basic legislation to manage and guide wildlife related matters in the State.'* Prior to this, areas were declared Sanctuaries under the Punjab Wild Birds and Wild Animals Act, 1933 or the Himachal Pradesh Wild Birds and Wild Animals Protection Rules, or under both of these.^ Ordinarily, all those areas that were set up as National Parks or Sanctuaries under any 3 Ibid 4 Id. 5 Jagmohan Balokhra, The Wonderland Himachal Pradesh, (2004), p in its 175

3 earlier Act automatically became National Park or Sanctuaries under the Wild Life Protection Act, (a) National Parks The State of Himachal Pradesh has declared two areas of very high ecological, geo-morphological and bio-diversity significance as National Parks with the objective to accord its wild life resources the highest legal protection status available to the wild life in the country. A National Park is an area established under section 35(4) of the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972 and no right is allowed within the National Park. Grazing is prohibited in these areas and the general public is legally restrained from destroying, exploiting or removing any wild life from the National Park or destroying or damaging the habitat of wild animals. Process to settle rights in the two National Parks in the State is in progress. The National Parks in the State beckons the visitors to enjoy the serene natural surroundings, experience the wilderness and understand the dire necessity of joining hands to conserve nature in its State.^ (i) Great Himalayan National Park The National Park with an area of 620 sq. km. is located in Kullu District and has the representative area of temperate and alpine forests of Himachal. It has some of the virgin coniferous forests of the State. Vast area of alpine pastures and glaciers cap this park. Bounded on three sides by the perpetual snow of the Himalayas, the westerly entrance to the park through the Tirthan Valley leading upto the Pin Parvati Pass in the GHNP is traditionally 6 Information collected from Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, Shimla. 176

4 considered one of the most sacred places in the Western Himalaya. The features that initially attracted and led to the preservation of this area as GHNP were its enormous biodiversity representativeness of the Western Himalaya. From the critically endangered Western Tragopan to the rare and elusive serow and the most beautiful of the big cats, the snow leopard, they are all here amidst the entire range of vegetation and ecological complexes of the Western Himalaya.7 This area has most of the important wildlife species of Western Himalayas, like musk deer, brown bear, goral, thar, leopard, snow leopard, bharal, serow, monal, khalij, koklas, cheer, tragopan, snow cock etc. Trekking to Rakti-Sar, origin of Sainj River and camping in alpine pastures is unforgettable. Similar is the trekking route to Tirath the origin of Tirthan River. Visitors can contact Director, National Park at Shamshi or Range Officer Wildlife at Sainj or Sai Ropa (Banjar) for assistance and guidance. Camping equipment and guides are provided by the Forest Department. (ii) Pin Valley National Park Long before man discovered the remote land, several hardy animals and birds inhabited this Himalayan Eden in exquisite equilibrium. The Pin Valley National Park represents the bio- geography of the Trans- Himalayan cold desert with its characteristic flora and fauna. Endangered species such as the precious snow leopard, the endemic Himalayan Ibex, the mighty Bharal or Blue Sheep and the Lynx among others are found in these cold and rugged lands. 7 Wonders of Wildlife in Himachal Pradesh: Wilderness and Wild in Himachal, H.P. Tourism Development Corporation. 177

5 The large varieties of indigenous, medicinal herbs that help sustain the ancient Tibetan system of medicine add much to the cultural and floristic significance of this national Park.^ This area can be visited only by those who have tough leg muscles and strong lungs. Visitors can contact Divisional Forest Officer, Wildlife Division Sarahan, Additional Conservator of Forest, Wildlife Kaza or Range Officer, Wildlife, Tabo for information about the park. The area is closed to foreign visitors. Indian visitors are also required to obtain a permit for entry from Deputy Commissioner Shimla or Sub-divisional Magistrate, Rampur. (b) Sanctuaries With a view to conserve the total range of wildlife available in the State, the Government of Himachal Pradesh has declared 32 areas, covering all the agro-climatic zones in the State and having ecological, geo-morphological and bio-diversity value, as wild life sanctuaries. A wild life Sanctuary is established under section of the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972 and admits rights to the extent as allowed by the Collector at the time of settlement in concurrence with the Chief Wild Life Warden of the State. Finally notified Sanctuaries and National Parks cannot be altered without resolution of the State legislation. These wildlife Sanctuaries provide a very good opportunity to the visitors to enjoy and experience wilderness of the State.^ A brief description of some of the sanctuaries is given below: 8 Ibid. 9 See, supra note

6 (i) Simbalbara Sanctuary This Sanctuary is located in Paonta Valley of Sirmaur district. Area bears beautiful dense Sal forests with grassy glades. This probably is the most picturesque area in Shivaliks. There is a perennial stream in the area. Simbalbara Forest Rest House connected by a fair weather road from Puruwala provides a view of the valley. Goral, sambhar and chital can be easily seen in the area. There are walking trails in the quilt adjoining forests. Winter is the best season to visit this sanctuary. ^^ (ii) Renuka Sanctuary Spread over 400 hectares of wood and grass land surrounding the sacred and picturesque Renuka Lake, this Wildlife Sanctuary despite its small size, harbors several species of deer like Chital, Sambhar and Barking Deer. The threatened Kaleej pheasant and the more common Red Jungle Fowl are also found here. This is a small sanctuary connected by motorable road. Renuka Lake and the temples attract a large number of people from hills and plains. Forests and the catchment of the lake add beauty and attraction to the area. Lion Safari and open Nature Parks with freely moving wild animals like chital, sambhar, kakkar, etc. are big attraction. Tourist Bungalow and Cafeteria provide all the comforts needed in a calm and quiet place. Visitors come all the year round.ii (iii) Churdhar Sanctuary Churdhar peak, with height of 3647 meters is the highest peak in outer Himalayas. It is like an Oasis of 10 See, supra note Wonders of Wildlife in Himachal Pradesh: Wilderness and Wild in Himachal, H.P. Tourism Development Corporation. 179

7 alpine area in an ocean of temperate forests. This is an excellent area for trekking during summer and early winters. The view from Churdhar peak is un-paralleled. One is sure to come across large number of multicoloured and agile monals in the adjoining forests along with the Koklas and kaleej pheasants. The endangered Himalayan Black Bear and the canine toothed Musk Deer inhabit the high reaches of the sanctuary. Trekking from Nohra, Sarain and Pulbahal is tough but enjoyable. There are Rest Houses at Nohra, Choras and Sarain. There is also a Sarai and a Shiva Temple at Churdhar. 12 (iv) Chail Sanctuary Chail is a hill station visited by many tourists. The Deodar and Oak forests with grass lands around the township are the abode of wild life. One can see sambhar, goral and cheer pheasants at blossom and jhaja. Visitors are welcome to the cheer pheasant breeding centre at both these places. Barking deer and khaleej in the forests are sure to meet and greet the visitors in the dusk and dawn. Trekking from Chail to Gaura and Chail to Jhaja is common and rewarding as one is sure to see wildlife and beautiful snowy peaks. (v) Majathal Sanctuary This sanctuary has a very steep and rugged terrain away from habitation. This can be visited by travelling about 10 kms. On a kacha road from Kararaghat (Shimla- Bilaspur-Highway) to Kashlog and then walking on foot from Kashlog. This Sanctuary has the highest concentration of goral which can be seen in its natural habitat. This Sanctuary is reported to have the maximum population of 12 Ibid. 180

8 endangered cheer pheasant. One has to stay in tents in the forest. Best season to visit is in the winters. (vi) Pong Dam Lake This lake Sanctuary is a big attraction for migratory ducks from region during winter. One can see thousands of ducks in the swamp area between Shahnahar barrage and Pong dam and the surrounding shallow waters of the lake. Clean blue water all around with the panoramic view of Dhauladhar Ranges and Kangra Valley makes visit to Ransar Island an unforgettable experience. Black buck and chital on the island along with surkhab, cranes, pintails and variety of water birds welcome the visitors on the Islands. (vii) Manali Sanctuary This sanctuary starts about 2 km from Manali town. This forms the catchment of Manalsu khud. A bridle path from Manali log huts. Dhungri temple passes through dense Deodar, Kail, Horse Chestnut, Walnut and Maple forests. Night stay in tents at Lambadug or Galiani thatch is an unforgettable experience. Alpine lush green pastures and glaciers beyond Galani thatch are a romance attraction for the enthusiastic but enduring visitors. One may see musk deer, monal and brown bear digging or ploughing the land and also pug marks with scent of leopard or snow leopard. Those who can venture to snows can see herds of Ibex in the glacier zone in summers. (viii) Kanawar Sanctuary This sanctuary is located in Parbati Valley of Kullu District. There is a Rest House at Kasol. Range Officer Wildlife, Kasol provides information and help to visitors. 181

9 Uphill walk along Garahan Nala from Kasol through dense majestic deodar and Fir forests is enjoyable. This sanctuary has the largest population of Himalayan Thar in Himalayas and seeing this big goat on high mountain cliffs is the fulfilment of the dream of any wildlife lover. (ix) Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary This Sanctuary's area with its well laid out trekking jungle trails both at Kalatop and Khajjiar is a tourist paradise. Dense Deodar and Fir forests are a place of solitude very close to Dalhousie town. Visitors should look for pheasants and serow in these forests but should be beware of black bear which is met very often in the area. (x) Daranghati Sanctuary This sanctuary located in the upper area of Shimla District has undisturbed forest area with plenty of wildlife. Monal, tragopan, koklas and khalij are the pheasants found here. The area also has musk deer, goral and thar. There is a network of bridle paths and inspection paths in the sanctuary. Visitors are advised to seek assistance from the forest staff posted at Dofda and Sarahan. The area is ideal for those who love to trek mountain heights. The description of Sanctuaries and National Parks in Himachal Pradesh along with the year of establishment and areas is given in the following tables: 182

10 Table I: Sanctuar les in Himachal Pradesh S.No. Sanctuary District Year Area Tarla Shimla (sq.km.) Majathal Solan Shilli Solan Chail Solan Renuka Sirmaur Simbalbara Sirmaur Churdhar Sirmaur Darlaghat Shimla Daranghati Shimla Rupi-Bhaba Kinnaur Rakchham-Chitkul Kinnaur Lippa- Asrang Kinnaur Kibber Lahaul Spiti Tirthan KuUu Sainj Kullu Kalatop-Khajjiar Chamba Gamgul- Siyabehi Chamba Manali Kullu Kias Kullu Khokhan Kullu Kanawar Kullu Shikari Devi Mandi Nagru Mandi Bandli Mandi Naina Devi Bilaspur Pong Dam Kangra Gobind Sagar Bilaspur Sechu Tuan Nala Chamba Dhauladhar Kangra Shimla Water Catchment Shimla Tundah Chamba Kugti Chamba

11 Table - 2: National Parks in Himachal Pradesh S.No National Park District Year Area 1) Pin Valley National Park 2) Great Himalayan National Park Lahaul Spiti Kullu III Wildlife - Human Relationship The State has a long history of sustainable coexistence with its wildlife resources. People have, over the years, found use of more than 600 local plants for their health care needs and for obtaining food, fuel, gums, oils, resin etc. from these. These plants contribute substantially to the rural livelihoods. The State Government, in appreciation of these intimate rural livelihood linkages has allowed the local communities the use of these usufructs from the forests except those that are reserved under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and those that are constituted as National Parks under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, Dwindling population of the wild animals have increased since imposition of the total ban on hunting since The extensification of agriculture has led to greater human-animal conflict. Whereas, wild boar, black bear and monkeys are reported sometimes to cause damage to the standing crops, instances of lifting domestic animals by leopards are also reported. Stray cases of injuries to and loss of human life by leopard and black bear have also been reported. The wildlife managers in the State are in the process of formulating a long-term policy to deal effectively with the increasing human-wild animal conflicts. The State Government, concerned about these conflicts, extend 184

12 monetary compensation in case of loss of domestic animals and injuries to or loss of human life due to wild animals. Rates of such compensation (in Rs.) as notified by the government on and partially modified on are as under: 1. Death of human beings 1,00, Permanent incapacitation 1,00, Grievous injury to human beings 33, Killing of horses/mules by snow leopard in shed 5. Killing of horses/mules by snow leopard in jungle 6. Loss of buffalo, cow jersey cross, ox and mule in jungle 4,000 2,500 2, Loss of buffalo etc. in jungle 1, Loss of cow in cow shed Loss of cow in jungle Loss of ox in shed 1, Loss of ox in jungle Loss of young one of buffaloes, cow, ox, mule 13. Loss of young one of buffaloes, cow, ox, mule in jungle Loss of yak, horse/mule and camel in shed Loss of yak, horse/mule and camel in jungle Loss of donkey in shed Loss of donkey in jungle 500 The list consists of 30 such forms in which compensation may be given.i^ IV. Human-Animal Conflict While conflict between man and man belonging to different denominations, races and religion is universal and inherent, the conflict between Homo sapiens and wildlife for

13 survival is now taking a virulent shape. The conflict is mainly due to pressure of rapid increase in population and poverty of the people which constitute the real threat to our limited natural resources. The main reasons for man versus wild conflict are the absence of a clear cut demarcation of the boundaries exclusively reserved for the national parks or sanctuaries, and the development zones on the one hand and the absence of a buffer zone between human settlements and wildlife parks.^^^ It is common news that human beings and their cattle are being attacked by wild animals. There is a conflict going on between the two. The main reasons behind the attacks are the lack of proper habitats, increase in construction works, agriculture, development of roads etc. In the survey done in the State of Himachal Pradesh, in the past 10 years almost 7,000 domesticated animals have been attacked and round about 425 persons have been recorded to be attacked by the wild animals. In the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, around Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, despite the fact that conflict among agro-pastoralists and wildlife is increasing in relation to the growing livestock population, villagers have not resorted to killing the main source of the problem: the snow leopard. In 1995, the wild carnivores killed 18% of the total livestock holding; this amounted to an annual loss of 12% for families with livestock holding. Almost all the deaths were caused by snow leopard, which is not persecuted. However, retaliatory action is performed against the Tibetan wolf, whose pups were reported to have been captured and killed almost every year in 1980s.i^ 14 See, S.N.Dhyani, Wildlife Management: Indian s)tidrome, (1994), p /en/HWC_fmal.pdf 186

14 In a glaring example of man-animal conflict, Himachal Pradesh reported 2,789 cases of attack on humans and cattle by wild animals including bear, leopard and monkeys in the past three years, in which 22 people lost their lives. The figures were revealed by Forest Minister Khimi Ram Sharma in a reply to question in the State Assembly. He said that an amount of Rs crore has been paid as compensation to the affected families. Shimla district reported six deaths due to attack by leopards and bear and the total number of attacks by wild animals, including on cattle, were among the highest in the State with over 1,000 attacks. Sharma said that to overcome the monkey menace and check their population growth, sterilisation of monkeys had been started at rescue and rehabilitation centre at Tutikandi in Shimla district from February "Two more monkey sterilisation centres one at Saster, (Hamirpur) and another at Goplapur (Kangra) were set up and are functioning since March 2009 and to speed the work further one more sterilisation centre was set up at Boul in Una district from March "In an order to launch a special drive to check the monkey menace, the Cabinet has decided that rates for monkey capturing will be '500 per monkey which will be paid to the persons bringing the simians," said Sharma He added that earlier Himachal Government had identified nine species of wild animals as crop damaging namely wild boar, porcupine, sambhar, chital, hare, jackal, monkey, parrot and blue bull. In the last year 2,000 orders were issued to issue permits to kill monkeys which cause damage to human life 187

15 or public property (including standing crops on any land) but after High Court's directive no new orders have been issued.1^ As we are aware that the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has been constituted as a nodal central statutory agency under Section 4 of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 and is vested with the mandate of prevention of cruelty to animals and promoting their welfare. It had come to the notice of the AWBI that the Himachal State Wildlife Department had issued permits for killing of Monkeys, Blue Bulls (Neel Gais) and Wild Boars and in furtherance of the same approximately 3000 permits has since been issued. The Act mandates issuance of such permits only in emergent conditions where ample data / proof are available and reliable statistics of damage to crops, life and property exists. The permits cannot be issued merely because the powers are vested for their issuance. Due application of mind and a rational assessment / analysis of other available options such as relocation and creation of sanctuaries for these animals should have been carried out. The reports of the AWBI notified Animal Welfare organizations and their representatives functioning in Himachal Pradesh have reported and informed the Board that in fact no such imminent danger exists calling for such an extreme and cruel action on the part of State Wildlife Department. Animal Welfare activists from all over the country and in fact the entire World have raised their protests against these killings in Himachal Pradesh

16 It is surprising that the State Wildlife Department which is statutorily mandated to protect and conserve the wildlife is actively aiding and abetting such an illegal and cruel activity promoted for political gains. The Board directed the notified Animal welfare Organizations operating in the state to monitor and record every individual killing that may take place under the above permits. The Board will initiate criminal proceedings under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, Wildlife Protection Act and Indian Penal Code against the person/s indulging in any such killing under the permits so issued by the Department. In addition, the Board will also inform the Ministry of Environment and Forests to initiate immediate action against the permission issued by the Department for killing of wildlife without exercising the alternative options of their relocation / creation of sanctuaries for their protection. In a civilized society the man-animal conflicts if any, are required to be addressed in a rational and scientific manner rather than resorting to old, cruel and barbaric methods. A quote from Mahatma Gandhi the father of our Nation, "The Social Development of a nation is judged by the way its people treat their animals" falls appropriate in present situation. ^'^ Despite all the measures taken by the government to stop poaching and killing in the State, there are many cases which come to our notice daily. On the 20"^ May, 2005, four villagers in Una were arrested for killing a Sambhar, with an intention to consume it as a food. The animal had come to the dam to drink water where the four villagers surrounded and killed it with the sticks. Sambhar, is a 17 awbi-sends-notice-to-simla-authorities-against-killing-of-monkeys. 189

17 protected animal under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 Schedule 3. On the same day in Sundernagar villagers killed a leopard after it had done series of killing of domesticated animals. The leopard died of asphyxiation after villagers allegedly fanned smoke inside the cave they had chased it into. After removing the valuable skin, teeth and claws the carcass was left in open to rot. A case under sec. 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 has been registered. These incidents of confrontation between humans and wild animals have grown in recent years in the hill State due to the shrinking of habitat. Therefore, we all must help and contribute our efforts towards conserving the rich wild life of our State. The State Government must also make strict rules against the poachers and make and implement programmes related to wildlife conservation. V. Wild Life Preservation The following activities for preservation of wildlife are being carried in the Pradesh: (i) To protect, develop and scientifically manage the wildlife in the protected areas. (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) Bring more area under the protected area network. Protect the wildlife and its habitat in areas outside the protected areas. To carry out eco-development work in the vicinity of protected areas to reduce the biotic pressure in the protected areas. To carry out the captive breeding and rehabilitation of endangered species. 190

18 (vi) To create nature awareness among local people in the general and the youth in particular and also to involve the Non-Governmental Organisations. (vii) To carry out field research regarding wild life in western Himalayas. (viii) To propagate eco- tourism. ^^ (a) Nature Parks Seeing wildlife in Himalayas requires lot of physical effort and time. With the fast moving life, many people can't afford this. The State Government had decided to have a network of Nature Parks where the wild animals will be kept in large open enclosures in their near to natural conditions. The State Government had decided to keep only the local species of animals and birds in these Nature Parks. Development of these Nature Parks will create awareness among the people of the State and the tourists coming from outside. Keeping this object in view the State Government had prepared development plans for these Nature Parks: Kufri, Manali and Gopalpur.i^ (b) Wild life Management Wildlife management activity in Himachal Pradesh has a chequered past history. Prior to independence many wildlife areas were the shikargahs of the Rajas. Those areas were well protected and had wildlife in abundance. After 1947, increase in population, clearing of forest areas for agriculture and horticulture, easy availability of firearms and ammunitions, construction of roads etc., has resulted in indiscriminate shooting of wild animals and birds 18 Extracts from Annual Plan , Govt, of Himachal Pradesh. 19 Information collected from Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, Shimla. 191

19 throughout the State. Forest habitat got reduced and badly disturbed because of commercial and local felling of trees by people and by grazing of domestic live stock in the forests. Till 1957 wildlife protection and development work was with the Forest Department. No special attention was paid to the sanctuary areas. There was no National Park. In 1957 a separate Department of Wildlife and Fisheries was established. One Wildlife Warden with a few Wildlife Inspectors and Wildlife Guards were looking after this work. In 1964 wildlife wing was again merged with the Forest Department and one Wildlife Division was created. The main function of this division was to look after the mini Zoos in the State. With the enactment of Wildlife Protection Act in 1972 same attention was paid to wildlife protection work. In 1974 a separate Wildlife Circle was sanctioned. In 1982 another Wildlife Division was created at Palampur. At the time of re-organisation of Forest Department in 1984, four Wildlife Divisions were created. Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu and Pin Valley National Park were notified in the years 1984 and 1987 respectively. With the steps taken since 1986, a beginning has been made in the wildlife management in the State. It is hoped that with more funds coming in future, scientific management of wildlife will be undertaken effectively in the entire State which will also take care of the wildlife in areas outside the protected areas Ibid. 192

20 (c) (i) (a) Wildlife Preservation Schemes in Himachal Pradesh State Sector Scheme Wildlife Preservation After rationalization of schemes, a new scheme namely Wildlife Preservation has been introduced during the year in place of Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation, Improvement and Development of Wildlife Sanctuaries and Awareness for Nature and Wildlife Conservation among Youths. The main objectives of the scheme are: (i) (ii) (iii) (b) Payment of relief on account of loss of injury to human life and loss of cattle life by the wildlife animals in protected areas. The components of expenditure under this scheme are employment of fire watchers and game watchers, labour for census and wildlife surveys, habitat improvement works including cutting and maintenance of fire lines, fodder and pasture improvements, weed eradication, plantation and soil conservation works etc. School/village students and local youths are taken to wildlife areas for exposure and creating love in them for wildlife and nature conservation. Equipments like projectors, films, camping equipments etc. are required for transportation and food has to be provided free of cost to the students.21 Development of Himalayan Zoological Park This is a continued scheme from the Seventh Five Year Plan and upto the end of this plan period 6-7 centers 21 Extracts from Annual Plan , Govt, of Himachal Pradesh. 193

21 for collection of Western Himalayan Species were developed in the State under this scheme. Now the base is ready to undertake the establishment of Nature Park in the State for which surveys and preparation of feasibility report has already been taken up.22 (ii) Central Sector Scheme (a) Intensive Management of Wildlife Sanctuaries This is a continued schem^e from the Seventh Five Year Plan and is being run mainly with the assistance of Government of India. This scheme envisages intensive management of all the present 32 wildlife Sanctuaries in the State on modern scientific lines. Management plans of the some wildlife sanctuaries, keeping in view the guidelines of the Government of India, have been prepared for the purpose and in respect of remaining sanctuaries the management plans are being prepared. The main emphasis will be providing necessary infrastructural facilities in all the wildlife sanctuaries areas protection works, habitat improvement, research works, construction/ improvement of roads and paths, construction of water retention dams etc. (b) Development of Great Himalayan National Park (Kullu) In the year 1984, it was decided to set up a Great Himalayan National Park at Kullu. Due to diverse flora, climate and attitude, the National Park possesses unique variety of Himalayan wildlife species. Some of these species are endangered and find mention in Red Data Book of International Union of Conservation of Nature (lucn, 1978). The main wildlife species found in the area are musk deer, barking deer, serow, Himalayan thar, Himalayan ibex, blue 22 Ibid 194

22 sheep, black bear, snow leopard, common leopard amongst animials whereas the main pheasant species are western tragopan, monal, cheer, khalij, koklas and snow cock. Out of these the snow leopard, western tragopan and cheer pheasants though they exist in the park are yet facing a high degree of threat of extinction and require special attention. (c) Development of Pin Valley National Park The Pin Valley National Park is situated in the Pin Valley of Spiti Sub-division of Lahaul and Spiti District. The area supports unique flora of cold desert eco-system. Pin Valley National Park is one of the few areas where snow leopard, which is a highly endangered species in the world, is found along with its prey species. Besides, animals and birds found in this park area are snow wolf, ibex, Himalayan brown fox, Himalayan blue sheep, snow rabbit, marmots, weasels, snow cock, chukor, hill pigeon etc. This is a continued scheme from Seventh Five Year Plan and during this period, emphasis has been laid on creating the infrastructure, creation of parks and settlement of rights. During the Tenth Five Year Plan period, efforts are being made to develop this park for providing proper protection to all wild life especially to snow leopard etc. Works like construction of bridge, inspection paths, construction of water ponds, water harvesting structures, habitat improvement, fire protection measures, study and research works, soil conservation works, acquisition of rights etc. will be carried out under this scheme Id. 195

23 VI. Captive Breeding Programme Some of the rare species are being kept in various breeding centers and have been bred successfully. Musk deer is breeding in breeding farm at Kufri. Brown bear has bred at Tutikandi, cheer pheasant at Tutikandi zoo and Chail. Monal has bred at Tutikandi and Sarahan Pheasantry. Pheasantry at Sarahan is trying to breed Western Tragopan which is a threatened species.24 (a) Fresh Plan to Conserve Musk Deer Even as the earlier plans to propagate the declining population of the State animal, musk deer, is still gathering dust, the wildlife wing of the State Forest Department has drawn a fresh proposal for the conservation of the endangered animal. The animal, which figures in the Red Data Book of the International Union of Conservation of Nature (lucn), would be conserved at the Great Himalayan National Park. According to the proposal the musk deer along with two other endangered animals, including serows and Himalayan thar, would be conserved at Great Himalayan National Park and in other protected forest areas of the State. The Wildlife Wing had earlier proposed to revive the breeding of musk deer at Himalayan Nature Park, Kufri, 16 km. from Shimla. For the purpose, it had, about four years ago, written to the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department to provide two pairs of musk deer for breeding purposes. However, the authorities did not pursue the correspondence as the Central Zoo Authorities replied that Himachal would have to exchange other animals. It may be mentioned that the breeding programme for the musk deer was discontinued about 25 years ago in 24 See, supra note

24 Himachal due to scarcity of funds. According to conservative estimates there are only 54 musk deer in the protected areas in the State. The musk deer is found in Kugti, Tundah and Gamgul Sanctuaries in Chamba district and Chitkul in Kinnaur.25 (b) Breeding of Western Tragopan in Captivity After a span of 12 years the wildlife experts finally succeeded in the breeding the endangered western tragopan in captivity at the Sarahan Pheasantry in Rampur. As per the wildlife officials; two eggs of this endangered pheasant hatched on 2"^! June, 2005 at the Sarahan providing a glimmer of hope to the wildlife authorities. Pheasantry, After a week or so both the siblings died. Earlier the eggs did not hatch due to infertility. The Divisional Forest Officer Sarahan, B. L. Negi went to England and found out that infertility may be due to lack of Vitamin E, therefore, the diet was changed, but still it was of no use.^^ VII. Himalayan Marmot Needs Legal Protection According to survey conducted by Zoological Survey of India, Solan a huge influx of tourists in sanctuaries has threatened the existence of Himalayan Marmot. Dr. R. M. Sharma and Dr. P. C. Tak had conducted a 14 days survey for studying the habitat of Himalayan Marmot. They said that though the Himalayan Marmot is listed under Appendix III of the Convention for International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and characterised as a data deficient species by International Union of Conservation of Nature, it should also be included in any of the schedules of the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972 for its conservation Hindustan Times, May 28, Hindustan Times, June 9, Hindustan Times, July 4,

25 The fauna of Himachal Pradesh is very impressive, diverse and unique. Among the pheasants there is progression with increasing altitude. The Western Tragopan, a rare and endangered species is an example of a bird which is confined to Western Himalayas only. Himachal Pradesh has probably the biggest population of cheer pheasants in the world. Among herbivores are the ibex, serow, blue sheep, thar, musk deer, goral and yak. Himachal Pradesh represents a large variety of carnivores like black bear, brown bear, Himalayan weasel, yellow throated marlin, stone marlin, wolf, common leopard is a proud representative of the large cats in the State. At present there are two National Parks and 32 Sanctuaries in the State. The total area under both categories of protected area is 7,100 sq. km., which is about 12% of the total forest area of the State. The State Government has prohibited felling of trees for any purpose in both the National Parks and 32 Sanctuaries. The State Government is taking every possible step to conserve the wildlife in Himachal Pradesh. The common man must also contribute towards saving and protecting our wildlife. As far as the rate fixed for the compensation to be given to the victims attacked by the wild animals is concerned, it very meager. Loss of a cow in cowshed is compensated by a sum of Rs. 625/- and in jungle by Rs. 375/-. It can be seen that this small amount will not at all help the man who is suffering himself due to the loss of a cow. Therefore, the Government must try to fix such rates of compensation which may prove to be useful. VII. Himachal Pradesh to launch Snow Leopard Project As the pre-project stage gets underway in the state, the first-ever census of snow leopards was being conducted by the National Conservation Foundation (NCF), a non- 198

26 government organisation. So far, only the head count of snow leopards is as per estimates that put the numbers at around 400. After the snow leopard was identified as a highly endangered species in Himachal, over three years ago, the state government had taken an initiative to declare it as the state animal as it is the most important species of the mountain region and is at the apex of the ecological pyramid. Though its habitat is in the upper reaches (above 3,000 metres) of Himachal, one of the main issues to be tackled by conservationists would remain man-animal conflict and protection of the ecology of its natural habitat. "Conservation with community participation" is expected to be the focus of the project and resident communities as well as the nomadic communities such as Ban Gujjars would also be involved in sensitisation towards the conservation of the animal. Chief Wildlife Warden A K Gupta said, "The survey work of National Conservation Foundation (NCF) in Spiti valley, where over 1,000 square metres of biological strategic landscape would be first identified for conservation has started." In a phased manner, the project would be extended to Pangi in Lahaul, Kinnaur, Bharmour in upper Chamba, Bara Bhangal in upper Kangra, Mantalai, Pin Parvati, upper great Himalayan National Park, upper Manali under upper Kullu and Rupi Bhabha and Dodra Kwar in upper Shimla district. Project Snow Leopard, launched by the Centre, would accord the snow leopard the same status of importance in areas of high altitude, as has been allotted to the tiger in the terrestrial landscape. Starting from village wildlife conservation committees and landscape-level implementation committees, the network of conservation would be headed by a state-level committee in which the wildlife department is contemplating involving all stakeholder departments such as agriculture, animal 199

27 husbandry and horticulture. Encouraged by the marginal increase in the number of snow leopards in Himachal, one of the biggest habitats of the endangered species, the Wildlife Department is in the process of launching a project for developing a conservation strategy to increase their population. For the implementation of the snow leopard project, the wildlife authorities are already in touch with the Nature Conservation Foundation, Mussorie. Even a marginal increase in the number of snow leopards from 32 to 35, during the latest census this year has encouraged the department to launch the project at the earliest. The fact that during the latest census undertaken in June, for the first time the mapping of the exact location of the snow leopard has been done, which will help in their conservation and increase in number. The habitat status analysis of the snow leopard will be done to identify the areas where it has been found in larger numbers. "During the recent census, the wildlife staff has recorded 24 snow leopards in Spiti, eight in Lahaul and Pangi and the three new animals have been sighted in the Parbati valley and Great Himalayan National Park in Kullu district," informed Mr A.K. Gulati, Additional Principal Chief Conservator (Wildlife), Himachal apart from Jammu and Kashmir, Uttaranchal and Sikkim is one of the few states in the country where the snow leopard is found. In Himachal, it is mostly found in Kaza, Lahaul Spiti, Pangi, Parbati and the Great Himalayan National Park. The project will take care of the proper management of the Himalayan habitat of the snow leopard. "Another important aspect that the project will take care of will be to strengthen the number of Himalayan Thar and Ibex, which are the natural feed of the snow leopard," said Mr Gulati. The wildlife authorities are also keen on getting a project for the conservation of the Himalayan wolf also 200

28 known as the Tibetan wolf as it is considered the mother of all wolves. The Nature Conservation Foundation, Mussorie, is keen to develop policy document and action plan that will promote wildlife conservation. Another area which they feel needs immediate attention is better understanding and management of the human and wildlife conflict, which is on the increase due to human interference with their natural habitat. With regard to the snow leopard, efforts would be made to focus on its conservation and recovery programme as it is one of the endangered species. In this regard it is felt that a programme must be developed for wildlife conservation outside the protected areas and promote ecologically responsible development.^s Sum up At the end of this chapter the researcher concludes that the state provides a delightful atmosphere for the flora and fauna to flourish in the wilderness. The wildlife Wing is trying their best to look after the wild animals and they encourage and seek cooperation from visitors in conforming to the rules of the National parks and sanctuaries. In the coming Chapter an empirical study has been conducted to find out the effect and value of wildlife in day to day life of the people. Other than the view point of the common people, an attempt has been made to gather some information from the Wildlife Officials about the problems faced by them in tackling the conflict with local people in the sanctuaries. 28 Posted: Friday, Mar 27, 2009 at 0142, HP to launch snow leopard project 201