Action plan to conserve ecosystem of Lahaul-Spiti

Tribune News Service

Mandi, April 9

To strengthen the ecosystem in the tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti, the state government is implementing a long-term permanent action plan under the SECURE Himalaya Project. The move aims to ensure that people do not face problems due to the effects of climate change.

A major objective of the project is to conserve and enhance the biodiversity of the Himalayas while reducing the dependence of local communities on the biological resources of the region.

The Deputy Commissioner said the ecological system is also being affected here due to human interference. Emphasis is being laid on ensuring the active role of local stakeholders and public participation in the conservation and promotion of ecological resources.

“Under the SECURE Himalaya Project running from 2018 to 2024 in the Tindi and Udaipur forest range of Lahaul-Spiti, the identified areas have been included for the purpose of livelihood security,” Deputy Commissioner added.

Aniket Wanve, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Lahaul, said under this project, emphasis was being laid on the conservation of snow leopard, ibex, Himalayan tahr, goral, brown and black bears, especially in this area.

He said, “Due to the awareness and participation of the public, ibex are being noticed roaming freely even in residential areas, which have become a major attraction for tourists in the Lahaul valley.”

He further said the project aimed to diversify the livelihood of people of this area and reduce conflict between human and wildlife. “The Union Environment Ministry is running The SECURE Himalaya Project in association with the United Nations Development Programme, Global Environment Facility and the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, for the betterment of Himalayan snow leopard’s natural habitat, conservation and promotion of Himalayan forest wealth and sustainable livelihood,” he added.

Amit Chawla, Principal Scientist and In-charge, Centre for High Altitude Biology, said DNA barcodes were being made part of an action plan for the endangered species of the region to support research works.

Secure Himalaya Project

• Aims to ensure that people do not face problems due to the effects of climate change
• To reduce human-wildlife conflict and conserve snow leopard, ibex, Himalayan tahr, goral & bears
• To diversify livelihood of locals and reduce their dependence on biological resources

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