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[1] 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.
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.[2] 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.[3]
The government has created 33 Sanctuaries, and five National Parks. Additional national parks sites are proposed.[4]
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.
An integrated water shed department project for Shivaliks is also under construction.
| 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. |
Himachal Pradesh has five national parks and thirty-two wildlife sanctuaries, which are listed below:[5]
| Sanctuaries and National Parks | Area (km2) | Year of Notification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Himalayan National Park | 905.4 (2010),[6] originally 754.40[7] | 1984 | |
| Inderkilla National Park | 104 | 2010 | |
| Khirganga National Park | 710 | 2010 | |
| Pin Valley National Park | 675 | 1987 | |
| Simbalbara National Park | 27.88 (2010), originally 19.03[8] | 1958 | |
| Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary | 41.32 | 1974 | |
| Chail Wildlife Sanctuary | 108.54 | 1976 | |
| 56.15 | 1985 | ||
| Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary | 167.00 | 1974 | |
| Darlaghat Wildlife Sanctuary | 6.00 | 1974 | |
| Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary | 943.98 | 1994 | |
| Gamgul Siahbehi Wildlife Sanctuary | 108.85 | 1974 | |
| Govind Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary | 100.34 | 1962 | |
| Kais Wildlife Sanctuary | 14.19 | 1954 | |
| Kalatop Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary | 30.69 | 1949 | |
| Kanwar Wildlife Sanctuary | 61.57 | 1954 | |
| Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary | 14.05 | 1954 | |
| Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary | 2220.12 | 1992 | |
| Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary | 378.86 | 1962 | |
| Lippa Asrang Wildlife Sanctuary | 349 (2002), originally 30.89[9] | 1962 | |
| Maharana Pratap Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary | 3207.29 | 1983 | |
| Majthal Wildlife Sanctuary | 40.00 | 1974 | |
| Manali Wildlife Sanctuary | 31.80 | 1954 | |
| Naina Devi Wildlife Sanctuary | 123.00 | 1962 | |
| Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary | 278.37 | 1974 | |
| Raksham-Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary formerly Sangla Wildlife Sanctuary[10] | 304 (2001), originally 650 | 1989 | |
| Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary | 4.02 | 1964 | |
| Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary | 269.00 | 1982 | |
| Sainj Wildlife Sanctuary (merged into Great Himalayan National Park in 2010) | 90.00 | 1994 | |
| Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary | 102.95 | 1974 | |
| Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary | 72.00 | 1974 | |
| Shilli Wildlife Sanctuary | 2.13 | 1974 | |
| Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary | 10.25 | 1958 | |
| Talra Wildlife Sanctuary | 26.00 | 1962 | |
| Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuary (merged into Great Himalayan National Park in 2010) | 61 | 1994 | |
| Tundah Wildlife Sanctuary | 64 | 1962 |