Shimla: in a high-stakes meeting organized by Deputy Commissioner Aditya Negi in Shimla today, Wildlife lovers have raised concerns over the proposed helipads in Choordhar, sparking a heated debate on the delicate balance between tourism development and environmental conservation.
Deputy Commissioner Negi's address underscored the government's commitment to expediting pending developmental works, emphasizing the need for progress.
However, the spotlight fell on the helipad in Choordhar already saturated with pilgrims as Choordhar is an abode of Dev Shilgur, the presiding Devta of Shimla and Sirmaur areas.
During Summer months Choordhar is saturated with pilgrims pushing its carrying capacity to limits.
While Chunjar and Chanshal don't face any such threat as these are not wildlife Sanctuaries.
Critics argue that introducing commercial interests through noisy choppers poses a serious threat to the Choordhar sanctuary's rare wildlife, including pheasants and musk deer, which are already listed in the Red Data Book.
The Forest Conservation Act of 1980 took center stage during the meeting. But wildlife lovers warn that the authorities should not do something that will ruin rare wildlife and biodiversity of Choordhar.
The officials receiving directives to address concerns surrounding bus stands in Tikkar, Taklech, and Nankhadi.
However, conservationists contend that the Act should unequivocally bar any commercial projects in the Choordhar Wildlife Sanctuary, considered the last bastion of rare wildlife in Shimla and Sirmaur districts of Himachal Pradesh.
The plea from wildlife lovers is clear: protect Choordhar from potential environmental degradation caused by commercial ventures.
Instead, they propose promoting the sanctuary for ecotourism activities, urging authorities to recognize its significance as a vital habitat and to take steps to ensure its preservation for future generations.
As officials grapple with balancing developmental goals and environmental protection, the fate of Choordhar Wildlife Sanctuary hangs in the balance, with wildlife enthusiasts closely watching and advocating for a shift towards sustainable practices to safeguard the unique biodiversity of the region.
