BIODIVERSITY HERITAGE SITES IN HP

Here are the notes on Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) in Himachal Pradesh, based on the text provided.

🏔️ Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) in Himachal Pradesh

1. Legal Basis & Notification

• Authority: Notified by the Governor of Himachal Pradesh.
• Power Source: Powers conferred by Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, combined with Rule 17 of the Himachal Pradesh Biological Diversity Rules, 2019.
• Process: Declared in consultation with local bodies.

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2. Notified BHS Areas

The following areas are officially notified as Biodiversity Heritage Sites:

1. Sural Bhatori (Block Pangi, District Chamba)
2. Hudan Bhatori (Block Pangi, District Chamba)
3. Nain Gahar (GP Mooring, Sub-Tehsil Udaipur, District Lahaul & Spiti)

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3. Management Structure

• Managing Body: Management is conducted by a “Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) team”.
• Proposed by: The relevant Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC).
• Composition of BHS Team:
  • Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC)
  • Respective Gram Panchayat
  • Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC)
  • Praja
  • Mahila Mandals
  • Stakeholder departments

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4. Management Plan & Key Regulations

The management plan includes several key provisions and restrictions:

• Respect for Local Rights: The rights and privileges of local people must be respected in the management of the sites.
• Conservation Methods: Both traditional and scientific methods will be used for valuation, conservation, and rehabilitation.
• Community Participation: Ensures participation of the local community, line departments, and district administration for effective execution.

🚨 Strict 5-Year Bans

A complete ban is in place for the next 5 years on the following activities:

1. Grazing: Complete ban on the grazing of cattle, sheep, goats, etc.
2. Timber: Complete ban on tree felling and timber extraction.
3. Plants: Complete ban on the extraction of any type of medicinal and aromatic plants.

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5. Regulation & Enforcement

• Collection of Species: Any collection of plants, animals, or microbes from the BHS areas shall be regulated by the concerned BHS committee.
• Guiding Bodies: The BHS committee will operate under the guidance of the Himachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board and the HP Forest Department.
• Penalty for Infringement: Any violations will be dealt with under the relevant sections of:
  • The Biological Diversity Act, 2002
  • The Indian Forest Act, 1927
  • The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
  • Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
  • Other related instruments.