Resurrected after ban on people, Nanda Devi park to open to public

Prohibition of all activities by humans in the Nanda Devi National Park since 1983 has substantially improved biodiversity in the reserve. Also, the presence of a large number of endangered species like the Snow leopard has been recorded.Given the improvement in the biodiversity, the Government may consider opening a limited area of the park to visitors.

This was revealed following the conclusion of the third Nanda Devi National Park expedition that is held once in every decade since the closure of the reserve to the public.The first expedition in a decade to ascertain the status of biodiversity in the national park was organised in 1993 followed by the second expedition in 2003. The third expedition could not be held in 2013 due to the natural disaster and was held this year from June 10 to July 6.

Forests and Wildlife Minister Dinesh Agarwal said that apart from resurgence in biodiversity, the team has discovered the presence of endangered flora and fauna in the area and will give a detailed report on its findings to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat. 

Agarwal directed forest officials to tighten security in the national park and to ensure regular patrolling of all bridle paths leading to the sanctuary.He said that in order to increase the interest and participation of locals in protection, conservation and enrichment of the national park, eco-tourism should be developed at lata Khark and Dharansi and home stay facility could also be developed at lata, Tolma and Paing villages.

Saket Badola, Deputy Director of Corbett Tiger Reserve, who was part of the expedition headed by Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve Director SS Rasaily, said that after creation of Nanda Devi National Park in 1982, all human activity there was banned by the Government in 1983 due to the damage being caused to the fragile environment by mountaineering and related activities. 

“During our 26-day-long expedition in the rough, high altitude terrain, we encountered a fresh Snow leopard kill, a healthy population of Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr, Blue Sheep and Himalayan Black Bear. We also recorded more than 400 plant species of which, about 200 species were in bloom and 35 were endangered medicinal plants. 

“We also saw 152 bird species including endangered ones and 14 raptor species. Spiders were also included in the study and 40 spider species were recorded. While the first expedition in 1993 recorded 23 butterfly species, we recorded 40 butterfly species this year,” Badola added.Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shrikant Chandola said that stopping mountaineering activities in the reserve was a good move as it prevented further ecological damage.