Mandi residents oppose eco-sensitive zone around Shikari Devi sanctuary

Residents from 43 gram panchayats in the district are strongly opposing the proposal to designate the area surrounding Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary as an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ). Local communities fear such a move could infringe on their forest rights, disrupt traditional practices and impact their daily livelihoods.

Advertisement

The Central Government has proposed the creation of an ESZ around the sanctuary, which is home to a popular temple that attracts tourists during the summer months. A joint committee, formed by local residents, is actively engaging with authorities to cancel the proposed ESZ.

The president of the committee, Narender Reddy, has raised concerns, pointing out the sanctuary is already accessible by road and has been affected by human activity for years. He argues the declaration of an ESZ is unnecessary, given the lack of significant wildlife presence due to the constant tourist influx.

Local residents rely on the forest for grazing cattle, especially during the summer and they fear the ESZ could impose restrictions on these activities, undermining their agricultural and pastoral practices. A villager said, "We fear once the ESZ is declared, our ability to use forest resources will be restricted."

The Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary, covering 29.94 sq km, was established in 1962 to protect wildlife in the region. The proposed ESZ would extend across 43 villages from the Nachan and Karsog Forest Divisions. While the ESZ is designed to curb urbanisation and deforestation, it has sparked concern among locals who feel it threatens their rights.

The Divisional Forest Officer of Nachan, Surender Kashyap, explained the ESZ aims to reduce human-wildlife conflict and protect the environment. The designated zone extends between 50 m and 2 km around the sanctuary, with boundaries drawn carefully to avoid the displacement of local communities. He said, the original proposal, which suggested an ESZ extending up to 10 km from the sanctuary, would have affected hundreds of villages.

The ESZ regulations would prohibit harmful activities such as commercial mining, deforestation and industrial development. However, sustainable practices such as organic farming and rainwater harvesting would be permitted. A master plan for the ESZ is currently being developed, which would govern future developments in the area.

Despite these provisions, local opposition remains strong. Residents continue to advocate for a more balanced approach to conservation, one that respects both wildlife protection and the rights of local communities.