Sacred Landscapes Get Smart Protection
Eco-Sensitive Zone Declared Around Shikari Devi Sanctuary: Himachal’s New Conservation Model: On January 2025, the Government of India announced the declaration of an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh. Known for its rich biodiversity and cultural legacy, the sanctuary now benefits from enhanced protection through regulated development. This move reflects a growing shift toward eco-friendly policy frameworks that blend nature conservation with sustainable livelihoods.
Named after Shikari Devi, a revered Himalayan goddess, the sanctuary is not just a wildlife refuge—it is a spiritual and ecological symbol for the region.
What Makes the ESZ Important?
With pressures from tourism, urbanisation, and infrastructure development on the rise, the ESZ around Shikari Devi serves as a buffer to prevent uncontrolled human encroachment. Spread across 43 villages in the Nachan and Karsog forest divisions, the zone allows low-impact activities like organic farming and eco-tourism but strictly bans commercial mining, hydropower dams, and deforestation.
This model helps reduce human-wildlife conflict while securing the sanctuary’s unique mix of conifer forests, alpine meadows, and medicinal plant habitats.
Who Oversees the ESZ?
The zone is managed under the core-buffer strategy widely used in Indian wildlife conservation. The core area remains strictly protected, while the buffer allows regulated human activity. A Zonal Master Plan will guide future decisions, and a monitoring committee led by the Chief Conservator of Forests will include local stakeholders and scientists. This makes implementation both science-driven and people-centric.
Similar strategies in Kanha and Periyar have shown that this model not only preserves biodiversity but also builds local livelihoods through green practices.
Biodiversity in Focus: Why It Must Be Preserved
Shikari Devi Sanctuary is home to potential sightings of the Snow Leopard, along with Himalayan Monals, Black Bears, Barking Deer, and rare medicinal herbs. Its altitude range of 1,800 to 3,400 metres supports varied ecosystems—critical for both wildlife survival and climate adaptation. Protection via an ESZ ensures that future development respects the fragile Himalayan landscape and its endemic species.
This zone also plays a major role in water conservation, carbon storage, and soil preservation, all key in the era of climate change.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS
| Topic | Fact |
| Sanctuary Name | Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Established Year | 1962 |
| State | Himachal Pradesh |
| District | Mandi |
| Altitude Range | 1,800 to 3,400 metres |
| Area | 29.94 sq km |
| ESZ Influence Area | 43 villages (Nachan & Karsog divisions) |
| Main Deity | Shikari Devi |
| Protected Species | Snow Leopard, Himalayan Monal, Black Bear, Barking Deer |
| Prohibited Activities | Commercial mining, hydropower dams, deforestation |
| Allowed Sustainable Use | Organic farming, eco-tourism, rainwater harvesting |
| ESZ Management Head | Chief Conservator of Forests |
