States » NorthPosted at: Oct 24 2026 6:44PM


Himachal seeks panchayat-wise monkey data, approves wildlife and border projects

Shimla, Oct 24 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday sought panchayat-wise data on the monkey population in the state, while chairing the 12th meeting of the State Board for Wildlife, which approved several proposals related to industrial development, border infrastructure, road connectivity and wildlife conservation.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of the under-construction Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park at Bankhandi in Dehra subdivision of Kangra district, with the Chief Minister directing officials to expedite the construction work.
The Board discussed proposals involving diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes, taking into account developmental requirements, national security, environmental protection and wildlife conservation.
All the proposals were approved after deliberations, subject to applicable statutory provisions and requirements relating to environmental protection and wildlife conservation.
The Board approved the establishment of an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) and intermediates manufacturing unit by CMG Biotech Private Limited at plots 53 and 54 in Phase-I of the Industrial Area, Sansarpur Terrace, Kangra district.
It also considered proposals for diversion of forest land for strategic border infrastructure in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts.
These included 1.78 hectares for the establishment of Border Out Post Lalung by the 17th Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) at Muhal Lalung and Dhar Chokula in Kaza, Lahaul-Spiti, and 1.60 hectares for Forward Post Nithal Thach by the 2nd Battalion of the ITBP in Kinnaur district.
The Board also approved the proposal for diversion of 0.275 hectares of forest land within the Rakcham-Chhitkul Wildlife Sanctuary for military infrastructure at Nagasti in Sangla tehsil of Kinnaur district.
The project is proposed by the 11 MAHAR Regiment/Headquarters 136 (Independent) Infantry Brigade Group.
Another proposal concerned the expansion of the existing secondary metallurgical unit of Goyal Furnace Pvt. Ltd.
The expansion would increase the production capacity of MS ingots from 19,200 tonnes to 96,600 tonnes per annum.
It also involves installing an additional induction furnace, a continuous casting machine and a rolling mill to manufacture 77,280 tonnes of rounds, angles, channels, TMT bars and flats annually.
The Board further approved the diversion of 4.72 hectares of forest land within the Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary for widening and upgrading the Bhulah-Shikari Devi Road under the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department's Seraj Division in Mandi district.
Wildlife safety along the Pung-Bhuwana Tunnel stretch of the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway (NH-154) in Suket Forest Division, Mandi, was also discussed.
The deliberations focused on measures to reduce wildlife deaths caused by road accidents along the stretch.
On the occasion, Sukhu released two postcard series, '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.
He 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.
UNI BN
Tags: #Himachal seeks panchayat-wise monkey data# approves wildlife and border projects
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