Legal counsel inspects Pong wetland for ‘illegal’ activities
Deven Khanna, Legal Aid Counsel (LAC) appointed by the High Court on December 12 in Civil Writ Public Interest Litigation (CWPIL) No. 46, has concluded a three-day inspection of the Pong Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary in the lower Kangra region. His visit aimed to investigate allegations of illegal cultivation and barbed fencing within the sanctuary area, which is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
During his visit, Khanna surveyed the entire sanctuary and interacted with local residents, who raised concerns about illegal activities in the area and sought permission for cultivation. His appointment followed the High Court’s cognizance of a report published in The Tribune on September 4 titled, “Villagers to continue protest against farming on Pong wetland in Kangra,” which was treated as a public interest litigation.
A detailed report of the findings will be submitted to the High Court during the next hearing on December 30.
The issue was first flagged by noted environmentalist MR Sharma, president of People for Environment, an NGO. Locals, under Sharma’s leadership, have been campaigning against these illegal activities for years, criticising the state forest department’s Wildlife Wing for failing to address the situation.
Speaking to The Tribune, Khanna emphasised the ecological and legal implications of the illegal activities. “The area up to an elevation of 1,410 feet is designated as sanctuary land under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, where activities such as cultivation, burning dried plants, poaching, erecting barbed fencing, and using chemical fertilisers are strictly prohibited,” he explained. He also highlighted the threat these activities pose to bird life and biodiversity, which constitute gross violations of the Act.
Khanna reported that barbed fencing on sanctuary land in the Guler area was being removed by the Wildlife authorities, with the process expected to be completed within three to four days. He stressed the importance of generating mass awareness through signboards displaying penalties and imprisonment for violations.
“Protecting this vital wetland ecosystem and its status as a Ramsar Site is crucial for preserving biodiversity and endangered bird species. Strict enforcement of the law is essential for conservation,” he stated.
