Kinnaur, June 28 (News views post):
Residents of gateway of kinnaur district have raised strong objections over the increasing number of livestock being brought into the forests of Choura and Taranda Panchayats by nomadic herders, particularly from the Gujjar community, allegedly exceeding the limits set by forest permits. Locals claim that this unchecked activity is damaging rare medicinal herbs and threatening the ecological balance of the region.
According to Govind Moyan, Up Pradhan of Taranda Panchayat, the forest department had issued limited grazing permits, but the actual number of animals being brought in far exceeds the allowed quota. He also expressed concerns over the illegal harvesting of medicinal plants, which are already endangered in these forest areas.
“The pressure from overgrazing is destroying our forests and harming rare herbs that grow only in this region. The Forest Department is not enforcing its own rules,” Moyan said.
Permit Violations & Inaction by Authorities
Despite clear guidelines, locals allege that the Forest Department is now increasing the number of livestock allowed under permits, instead of reducing them gradually. They point to a lack of enforcement and accuse authorities of turning a blind eye. Moyan added that even the Revenue and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi had directed forest officials to investigate the matter during a public grievance meeting held in Bhaba Nagar last month — but no action has been taken so far.
Moyan said recently visited the forested Kanda region and claims he found untagged animals and more livestock than permitted grazing there. He warns this not only violates forest rules but also endangers Kinnaur’s rich biodiversity.
Immediate removal of livestock exceeding permit limits.
Mandatory demand that tagging of all grazing animals to track permit violations.
Strong field inspections by the forest department to prevent overgrazing and illegal harvesting.
He said Kinnaur’s forests are home to unique high-altitude herbs used in traditional medicine, many of which are now endangered. Overgrazing and unauthorized ho movement of livestock put these herbs — and the ecosystems they support — at serious risk.
Local residents have urged the state government to intervene immediately and take strict action to regulate grazing activities. Without urgent steps, they fear irreversible damage to the region’s natural wealth.
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