Forests in the state of Himachal Pradesh (northern India) currently cover an area of nearly , which is about 68.16% of the total land area of the state. The forests were once considered to be the main source of income of the state and most of the original forests were clear felled. The emphasis has shifted, however, from exploitation to conservation. The state government aims to increase forest cover to 50% of the total land area. There have been various projects, including the establishment of protected areas such as National Parks, designed to preserve and expand the forests.

Preservation and nationalisation of forests Steps are being taken to intensify environmental preservation and sustainable development in the Himachal Pradesh region. All remaining forests in Himachal Pradesh have been nationalised under the supervision of the officers like Indian forest service, Himachal Forest Service and seasoned Range/Dy.Range Forest Officers. Felling of trees and sale of timber is now controlled by the State Forest Corporation, and an Enforcement Organisation has been established to prevent the illegal felling of trees and the smuggling of timber. Hunting has also been restricted.

The government has created 33 Sanctuaries, and five National Parks. Additional national parks sites are proposed.

Reforestation programs A World Bank assisted Social Forestry Project has been launched. The aim of the project is to plant more trees for fuel, fodder, and timber to meet the basic requirements of the local people, thus avoiding depletion of the old growth forests. The deforested Kandi areas are also being reafforested in another project financially assisted by the World Bank.

Other programs An integrated water shed department project for Shivaliks is also under construction.

Fact and figures Forest Cover (1996-1997) Area Reserved Forests 1896 km2. Protected Forests 33123 km2. Unclassed Forest 886 km2. Other Forests 370 km2. Forests not under control of Forest Department 758 km2.

Sanctuaries and National Parks Himachal Pradesh has five national parks and thirty-two wildlife sanctuaries, which are listed below: Sanctuaries and National Parks Area (km2) Year of Notification Great Himalayan National Park 905.4 (2010),Sainj WLS and Tirthan WLS were merged into the Great Himalayan National Park in 2010. originally 754.40 1984 Inderkilla National Park 104 2010 Khirganga National Park 710 2010 Pin Valley National Park 675 1987Simbalbara National Park 27.88 (2010), originally 19.03 1958 Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary41.321974 Chail Wildlife Sanctuary 108.54 1976 Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary 56.15 1985 Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary 167.00 1974 Darlaghat Wildlife Sanctuary6.001974Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary943.981994Gamgul Siahbehi Wildlife Sanctuary108.851974Govind Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary100.341962Kais Wildlife Sanctuary14.191954Kalatop Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary 30.69 1949Kanwar Wildlife Sanctuary 61.57 1954Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary14.051954Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary2220.121992Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary378.861962Lippa Asrang Wildlife Sanctuary349 (2002), originally 30.891962Maharana Pratap Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary 3207.29 1983Majthal Wildlife Sanctuary 40.00 1974Manali Wildlife Sanctuary 31.80 1954Naina Devi Wildlife Sanctuary123.001962Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary278.371974Raksham-Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary formerly Sangla Wildlife SanctuarySangla Wildlife Sanctuary was renamed and decreased in size in 2001. 304 (2001), originally 6501989Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary 4.02 1964Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary269.001982Sainj Wildlife Sanctuary (merged into Great Himalayan National Park in 2010)90.001994Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary102.951974Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary72.001974Shilli Wildlife Sanctuary2.131974Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary10.251958Talra Wildlife Sanctuary26.001962Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuary (merged into Great Himalayan National Park in 2010)611994Tundah Wildlife Sanctuary641962

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References

External links himachaltourism.nic.in hptdc.gov.in