According to the draft, safeguarding the surrounding landscape is crucial from ecological, environmental and biodiversity perspectives. It proposes a ban on industrial operations within the ESZ and has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders within 60 days.
The GHNP landscape comprises the Great Himalayan National Park (754.40 sq km), Sainj Wildlife Sanctuary (90 sq km) and Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuary (61 sq km). Over the past decade, biodiversity surveys have recorded 31 mammal species, 224 bird species, along with reptiles, amphibians and insects, highlighting its ecological significance.
Established in 1984 and declared a national park in 1999 after compensating local communities for rights settlement, the GHNP was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. It remains a globally significant protected area showcasing unique Himalayan biodiversity, with ongoing efforts to expand its total area to over 3,000 sq km.
However, concerns persist. The Union Environment Minister recently observed that nearly 65 per cent of Himachal Pradesh is already under protection, cautioning that overly stringent ESZ norms may hinder development without proportional conservation gains. Local communities, often affected by restrictions, receive limited compensation under ESZ frameworks. The success of the proposal will hinge on transparent consultations, flexible regulations and balancing conservation priorities with community livelihoods.
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