New Delhi, April 30
The Ministry of Environment has issued a draft notification proposing the declaration of 326.69 sq km around the Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district as an eco-sensitive zone to protect its ecology and biodiversity through regulated development and restrictions on industrial activity.
According to the draft notification, eco-sensitive zones are designated around protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to act as buffer zones and help regulate activities in the surrounding areas. The ministry has stated that the move is aimed at conserving the ecological and environmental integrity of the region and restricting industries and related operations within the designated zone.
The notification, published on Wednesday, is open for public consultation, and stakeholders are invited to submit their comments within 60 days.
The Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area includes the Great Himalayan National Park, the Sainj Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuary. The region is recognized for its rich biodiversity, including A diverse variety of plant and animal species. As per the notification, the area supports extensive floral diversity along with recorded populations of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects identified through surveys conducted over the past decade.
The ministry is expected to take a final decision after examining stakeholder responses received during the consultation period.
