In a decisive move to safeguard the ecological future of the Shivalik hill range, wildlife authorities in Haryana have launched an ambitious, decade-long conservation strategy. The plan focuses on two critical wildlife sanctuaries, Khol Hai Raitan and Bir Shikargah, aiming to combat the mounting pressures of human encroachment and climate variability.
Scientific Management Plans for a Decade
The wildlife division in Panchkula has formally initiated a bidding process to develop comprehensive management plans for these sanctuaries. These plans will cover the period from 2026-27 to 2035-36. The Haryana forest and wildlife department is seeking specialized project management consultant agencies, typically comprising retired forest officials and environmental scientists, to draft these blueprints.
The consultants will face a tight deadline, with only 20 days to finalize the plans and secure necessary regulatory approvals. The roadmap includes scientific habitat improvements such as creating dedicated fodder plots, planting native fruit-bearing trees, and expanding permanent water sources to sustain local animal populations.
Securing the Eco-Sensitive Buffer Zones
A cornerstone of the new strategy is the robust management of Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs). These buffer areas are designed to absorb the impact of industrial and urban development on protected wilderness. The sanctuary management plans will integrate with Zonal Master Plans (ZMPs), which use GPS coordinate mapping to clearly define boundaries and categorize activities as prohibited, regulated, or permissible.
The Khol Hai Raitan sanctuary features an ESZ extending up to 925 meters from its boundary, protecting approximately 1,320 hectares of buffer land. Bir Shikargah, situated 400 meters above sea level in the Ghaggar river catchment, has a larger ESZ. It stretches up to 2,310 meters and covers 1,131 hectares. This sanctuary is a vital ecological hub as it is the origin point of the seasonal Kaushalya river.
A Contiguous Conservation Corridor
The initiative's scope extends to ensuring a connected conservation corridor across the Shivalik foothills. It also includes the Haryana side of the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary. Officials plan to conduct baseline surveys of forest cover, agricultural practices, and existing tourism infrastructure.
By gathering this data, the department aims to strike a crucial balance: supporting the region's economic needs while steadfastly protecting one of Northern India's most diverse and threatened ecosystems. This ten-year vision represents a significant step toward long-term environmental sustainability in the Shivaliks.
