The Gift of Himalayan Biodiversity

The world is becoming gloomier every day as the grey forests are flourishing and green are depleting. In this sad depressing place, exists a haven of lush meadows and tall trees, hidden from the world in the valleys of the Himalayas. A heaven on earth, this Himalayan ground of biodiversity is a hope for the future and life for millions who reside here.

Alpine Peaks and Coniferous Forests of Great Himalayan National Park | Source: blogspot.com

Perched high amidst the majestic peaks of the Himalayas, the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) stands as a sanctuary of unparalleled natural beauty. Its snow-capped summits, sun-kissed lush meadows, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls create a haven for a diverse range of flora and fauna. GNHP is a part of the globally significant Himalayan temperate forest ecosystem. Situated in the Banjaar sub-division of Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, it spans over four valleys – Jiwa Nal, Sainj, Parvati, and Tirthan Valley. Known as the “Valley of Gods,” the Kullu district serves as the backdrop of this pristine wilderness.

Amidst a world facing rapid deforestation and urbanisation, GNHP remains a sanctuary of untouched wilderness. Its remote and inaccessible terrain has shielded it from the rampant development seen in nearby tourist destinations like Kullu and Manali. It hosts over 1000 varieties of exotic plants and medicinal herbs, providing a home for a wide array of wildlife, birds, and insects.

Accessible from various parts of North India, GHNP offers travellers a chance to immerse themselves in its natural wonders. Travelling along the Kullu-Manali expressway, visitors can reach Larji Village, the gateway to GHNP. From there, travellers can explore the scenic valleys of Sainj and Tirthan Valley, where the Tirthan and Sainj Rivers flow into the Beas River, providing water to millions downstream along with the Parvati River.

Taking a trip down memory lane, the Great Himalayan National Park was established in 1984 under the administration of Mrs. Indira Gandhi. It is one of India's 104 national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2016. Considered one of the thirty bio-diversity hotspots of the world, it boasts around twenty-five different forest types, predominantly coniferous trees like deodar, supporting a thriving lumber industry. The park is also a treasure trove of medicinal plants. GNHP is home to 805 vascular plant species, 192 species of lichens, twelve species of liverworts, and twenty-five species of mosses. This rich flora is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

GHNP's biodiversity extends to its rich animal population, including endangered species like the snow leopard, common leopard, Himalayan brown bear, Asiatic black bear, and red fox. Herbivores such as the endangered Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan goral, bharal or blue sheep, and the endangered Himalayan musk deer. They roam its meadows. There are over 200 species of birds, including raptors, minivets, and finches. Five different species of pheasants grace its skies, including the monal, koklass, cheer, white-crested kalij, and the western tragopan. GHNP has the largest population of western tragopan in the world, making the bird a symbol of the park and the State bird of Himachal Pradesh.

Efforts of the government to conserve these habitats have resulted in GHNP becoming a symbol of hope for conservationists worldwide. In an era marked by environmental degradation, the Great Himalayan National Park is a beacon of biodiversity, offering a sanctuary for both wildlife and future generations.