The 12th Meeting of the State Board for Wildlife, Himachal Pradesh, was held under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh here today. Detailed deliberations were held on proposals relating to industrial development, strategic border infrastructure, road connectivity, diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes and wildlife conservation. The proposals were discussed in view of developmental requirements national security, environmental protection and wildlife conservation.
The Board approved establishment of an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) and Intermediates Manufacturing Unit by M/s CMG Biotech Private Limited at Plot Nos. 53 and 54, Phase-I, Industrial Area, Sansarpur Terrace, District Kangra.
The Board also deliberated upon the proposal for diversion of 1.78.20 hectares of forest land in favour of the 17th Battalion, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Reckong Peo, District Kinnaur, for the establishment of Border Out Post Lalung at Muhal Lalung and Dhar Chokula, Kaza, Tehsil Spiti, District Lahaul-Spiti. In addition, the proposal for diversion of 1.60 hectares of forest land in favour of the 2nd Battalion, ITBP, Babeli Camp, Kullu, for the establishment of Forward Post Nithal Thach in District Kinnaur was discussed.
The proposal for diversion of 00-27-50 hectare of forest land within the Rakcham-Chhitkul Wildlife Sanctuary in favour of 11 MAHAR Regiment/Headquarters 136 (Independent) Infantry Brigade Group for the development of military infrastructure along the northern border at Nagasti, Tehsil Sangla, District Kinnaur, was also placed before the Board.
The Board further considered the proposal for expansion of the existing secondary metallurgical unit of M/s Goyal Furnace Pvt. Ltd. The proposed expansion involves increasing the production capacity of MS ingots from 19,200 tonnes per annum to 96,600 tonnes per annum, along with the installation of an additional induction furnace, a continuous casting machine and a rolling mill for the production of 77,280 tonnes per annum of rounds, angles, channels, TMT bars and flats.
The proposal for diversion of 4.72 hectares of forest land within the Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary in favour of the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department, Seraj Division, District Mandi, for the widening and upgradation of the Bhulah–Shikari Devi Road was also discussed.
After deliberations, all the proposals were approved, keeping in view the applicable statutory provisions and the requirements of wildlife conservation and environmental protection.
The Board also deliberated upon measures to mitigate the increasing incidence of wildlife mortality due to road accidents along the Pung–Bhuwana Tunnel stretch of the Kiratpur–Manali Four-Lane Highway (NH No. 154) in Suket Forest Division, District Mandi. The discussion focused on the need to ensure wildlife safety and implement appropriate measures to reduce wildlife fatalities on this stretch of the highway.
The Chief Minister also sought the panchayat wise data of monkeys and also reviewed the under construction Durgesh Arananya Zoological Park Bankhandi in Dehra of Kangra district and directed to expedite the construction work.
The Chief Minister also released two postcard series titled “HIMACHAL’S WILD ICONS” and “HIMACHAL’S WILD HERITAGE.” brought out by the Wildlife Wing of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, in collaboration with the Himachal Pradesh Postal Circle, Shimla.
Sh. Sukhu also released the book 'Simplified Procedures for Analysis of Physio Chemical Tests in Water Samples' authored by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HOFF) Sanjay Sood.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Deputy Chairman H.P. Planning Board Bhawani Singh Pathania, MLA Sanjay Awasthy, Principal Secretary M. Sudha Devi, Members of the Board, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HOFF) Sanjay Sood, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Alok Prem Nagar and other senior officers were present in the meeting.
