Pick-up vehicle illegally carrying Bhojpatras impounded in Pangi

In a major action against the transportation of illegal forest produce, the Pangi forest division officials have seized a pick-up vehicle carrying a large quantity of birch (Bhojpatra) bark without the required permission near Bambal in Chamba district. Forest officials impounded the vehicle and initiated proceedings under relevant forest and environmental protection laws.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Pangi, Ravi Guleria said that it was a serious violation of forest laws considering the ecological sensitivity of the Bhojpatra species. He urged local residents to cooperate with the Forest Department in conserving the fragile green resources of the valley. “Birch trees grow slowly at high altitudes and their illegal peeling or extraction causes irreversible damage to the ecosystem. Such acts disturb the ecological balance and threaten rare alpine biodiversity,” he said, adding that strict action would continue against offenders.

Guleria appealed to the public to report any suspicious activity related to illegal felling, peeling or smuggling of forest produce. “Pangi’s natural heritage, especially sacred sites like Sural Bhatori, can be preserved only through collective vigilance,” he said and urged communities to help safeguard the ecological and cultural treasures of the valley.

Bhojpatras are a keystone species in the upper reaches of the Pangi valley. Its presence helps prevent soil erosion, retain moisture in alpine zones and support unique cold-desert flora and fauna. Beyond its environmental importance, the tree is revered in Himalayan traditions. Its bark had historically been used to write sacred scriptures, Buddhist texts and ritual manuscripts, giving it immense cultural and spiritual value.

The sacred grove at Sural Bhatori village is one of the key sites in the Pangi valley where birch trees are protected, as per the local customs.

Surrounding the ancient Sural Monestary, this grove consists of dense stands of Himalayan birch and has been declared a Biodiversity Heritage Site due to its pristine alpine environment and rich cultural legacy.

The bark from birch trees was traditionally used for writing ancient Buddhist and Himalayan texts and the grove remains an active symbol of the Buddhist heritage of the valley. The area is also popular among trekkers for its stunning high-altitude meadows and panoramic landscapes, serving as a base for several alpine trails. Local customs strictly prohibit harming these sacred trees and communities consider the grove as a protected spiritual zone.