The Hindu : Other States / Himachal Pradesh News : Remove encroachments, officials told

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Thursday, Nov 25, 2004

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Other States - Himachal Pradesh

Remove encroachments, officials told

DALHOUSIE, NOV. 24. Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Asha Kumari has directed the state wildlife authorities to remove illegal and unwarranted constructions and encroachments which are fast mushrooming in the core area of the famous Kalatop-Khajjian wildlife sanctuary in Chamba district.

Various species of wildlife, including the state bird Monal, would become extinct if such activities continue in the sanctuary, the famous wildlife habitat, officials said.

Taking strong exception to these developments, the Minister at a recent meeting exhorted Wildlife Conservator R.C. Bergal and other forest officials to take strict measures to retain the environment of the sanctuary. She expressed deep concern at how the people managed the construction of concrete structures on their individual private land inside the sanctuary area despite stringent provisions laid down in the Wildlife Protection Act.

These illegal constructions were spoiling the environment of the wildlife habitat, the minister told the officials at the meeting.

The sanctuary, having thick deodar forests, is spread over an area of 20 square km at an altitude ranging from 1950 metres to 2850 metres.

This is one of the 29 wildlife sanctuaries in the state.

Wild animals like the musk deer, barking deer, black bear, leopard, goral, serow and pheasants such as monal, koklas, kaleej and chukar can be seen in this sanctuary.

Besides migratory birds of the wetland species visit the Khajjiar lake which forms part of the sanctuary.

The sanctuary is being looked after by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Wildlife Wing of the State Forest Department stationed at Chamba and other staff.

UNI

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