Addressing agricultural distress and growing human-wildlife encounters across the hill state, the Himachal Pradesh administration has initiated a comprehensive baseline assessment of wild simian populations. Presiding over the twelfth meeting of the State Board for Wildlife in Shimla, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu instructed the wildlife wing to compile an exhaustive, panchayat-by-panchayat database detailing monkey numbers and their distribution patterns. The state government views this granular census as an essential step toward understanding regional wildlife density and implementing effective long-term mitigation strategies for rural farming communities, although formal schedules and subsequent legal interventions are yet to be finalized.
Strategic Land Approvals for Border Security Infrastructure
Strengthening national security along the northern frontiers formed a primary agenda item during the high-level meeting. The wildlife board examined multiple proposals regarding the diversion of forest land for the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and armed forces across sensitive high-altitude sectors in Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. In the Spiti sub-division of Lahaul-Spiti district, approval was granted to divert 1.7820 hectares of forest land in Lalung and Dhar Chokula, Kaza, in favor of the 17th Battalion of the ITBP to establish Border Outpost Lalung. This outpost will bolster regular surveillance and patrol capabilities along challenging mountain passes.
In Kinnaur district, another strategic parcel measuring 1.60 hectares was cleared for the ITBP 2nd Battalion to construct Forward Post Nithal Thach. Additionally, to fortify military logistics near Nagasti along the northern boundary in Sangla tehsil, the board sanctioned the diversion of 0.2750 hectares of forest land situated inside the Rakchham-Chhitkul Wildlife Sanctuary. This land allocation benefits the 11 Mahar Regiment and Headquarters 136 (Independent) Infantry Brigade Group. All clearances were granted with strict mandates requiring strict adherence to statutory environmental safeguards and wildlife preservation protocols.
Industrial Expansion in Kangra with Pharma and Steel Approvals
Balancing sustainable ecological practices with regional economic development, the board granted clearance to vital manufacturing ventures. In Kangra district, M/s CMG Biotech Private Limited secured approval to construct an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and intermediates production plant on industrial plots 53 and 54 at the Sansarpur Terrace Industrial Area, Phase-1. The establishment of this API facility is expected to boost local production of essential medical raw materials while generating skilled technical employment opportunities within the state.
In the heavy industrial domain, the board approved an extensive modernization and capacity augmentation plan submitted by M/s Goyal Furnace Private Limited for its secondary metallurgical plant. The approved proposal allows the company to expand its mild steel ingot manufacturing output from 19,200 metric tonnes per annum to 96,600 metric tonnes annually. The industrial upgrade will integrate an additional induction furnace, a continuous casting machine, and an advanced rolling mill designed to produce 77,280 tonnes each year of structural steel, including angles, channels, flats, rounds, and TMT bars.
Upgrading Sanctuary Roadways and Preventing Highway Roadkill
Infrastructure connectivity within ecologically sensitive zones also received formal backing during the board review. In the Seraj Forest Division of Mandi district, the administration approved the transfer of 4.72 hectares of protected forest land to the Seraj Division of the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department. This land will facilitate the widening and surface improvement of the Bhulah-Shikari Devi road situated inside the Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary, significantly easing travel for local commuters and pilgrims.
Concurrently, the meeting evaluated rising incidents of vehicular collisions involving wild animals on four-lane corridors. Particular attention was directed toward the Pung-Bhuwana tunnel stretch of National Highway-154 on the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway in the Suket Forest Division of Mandi district. In response to mounting concerns over animal mortalities, the Chief Minister instructed highway authorities and forest officials to install wildlife crossing protections and enforce speed-calming mechanisms to prevent vehicular collisions with native fauna.
Zoological Park Progress and Scientific Publications
Project progress at the under-construction Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park located at Bankhandi in Dehra, Kangra district, was also scrutinized. The Chief Minister directed administrative agencies to accelerate civil construction works, underscoring the facility's immense potential to serve as an anchor for regional eco-tourism and captive wildlife conservation.
To conclude the proceedings, two educational postcard sets titled 'Himachal's Wild Icons' and 'Himachal's Wild Heritage' were launched in collaboration between the wildlife wing and the Himachal Pradesh Postal Circle, Shimla. Furthermore, a scientific handbook titled 'Simplified Procedures for Analysis of Physio Chemical Tests in Water Samples', authored by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) Dr. Sanjay Sood, was formally released. Key dignitaries present at the meeting included Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and Himachal Pradesh Planning Board Vice Chairman Bhawani Singh Pathania.
