Forests in the state of
Himachal Pradesh (northern
India) currently cover an area of nearly 37,939 square kilometres (14,648 sq mi), which is about 68.16% of the total land area of the state. The forests were once considered to be the main source of income of the state[1] 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.[2] 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 the
smuggling of
timber.
Hunting has also been restricted.[3]
The government has created 33
Sanctuaries, and two
National Parks. Additional national parks sites are proposed.[4]
Reforestation 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
Forest Cover (1996-1997)
Area
Reserved Forests
1896 km2.
Protected Forests
33123 km2.
Unclassed Forest
886 km2.
Other Forests
370 km2.
Forests not under control of Forest Department
758 km2.
Sanctuaries and National Parks
Himachal Pradesh has five national parks and thirty-two wildlife sanctuaries, which are listed below:[5]
^Vasan, Sudha (2002). "Ethnography of the forest guard: contrasting discourses, conflicting roles and policy implementation". Economic and Political Weekly. 37 (40): 4125–4133.
JSTOR4412694.