Explained: Why Himachal Pradesh Wants 100% Import Duty on Foreign Apples
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged the Centre to impose a 100% import duty on foreign apples to protect local growers from cheaper imports. The demand follows India’s decision to cut duties on New Zealand apples under
Western Tragopan (Jujurana) — The State Bird of Himachal Pradesh: Status, Habitat, Threats & Protection
The Western Tragopan, the state bird of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the world’s rarest pheasants. While captive breeding efforts offer temporary relief, the species continues to face severe threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and human disturbance. Long-term survival depends
Raulane Festival Of Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh
Raulane Mela is one of Kinnaur’s most unique winter-to-spring transition festivals, celebrating the farewell of Sauni—protective mountain spirits believed to guard villages through harsh Himalayan winters. Marked by elaborate traditional attire, ritual processions, and deep-rooted folklore, the festival reflects the
International Bird-Watching Programme Held at Rakchham–Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh
Introduction An international bird-watching programme was recently organised at the Rakchham–Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary in Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh. The event brought together participants from 15 countries, including Austria, Switzerland, England, Germany, Italy, Norway, South Africa, Belgium, and France. During the programme, delegates
Himachal Pradesh Records Rise in Snow Leopard Population: From 51 to 83 in 2025, A Model for Community-Led Conservation
Himachal Pradesh has witnessed a remarkable increase in its snow leopard population, marking a major conservation success story. According to the latest comprehensive survey conducted by the Wildlife Wing of the state’s Forest Department in collaboration with the Nature Conservation
Himachal Cold Desert Enters UNESCO Biosphere Reserve List
The inclusion of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve (CDBR) in Himachal Pradesh into UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) marks a milestone in India’s biodiversity conservation journey. Spanning 7,770 sq km across Lahaul-Spiti district, this cold desert ecosystem is
Himachal Pradesh’s Golden Mahaseer Conservation Earns SKOCH Gold Award 2025
The Himachal Pradesh Fisheries Department has been conferred the prestigious SKOCH Gold Award 2025 for its groundbreaking efforts in conserving the critically endangered Golden Mahaseer through a pioneering captive breeding programme. The award was presented at a ceremony held at
Parwanoo Ranks Second in India for Clean Air Efforts: A Model for Small Cities
Parwanoo, a small industrial town in Himachal Pradesh, has earned national recognition for its exemplary efforts in tackling air pollution. In the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2025, conducted under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), Parwanoo secured the second rank in
Himachal Pradesh Declared Fully Literate: What It Really Means
Earlier this week, Himachal Pradesh was declared to be a ‘fully literate’ state, joining Goa, Ladakh, Mizoram, and Tripura as the fifth State/Union Territory in India to achieve this status. But what exactly does ‘fully literate’ mean? Does it imply
Pong Dam at 50: Lessons for Water Management and Climate Resilience
Introduction The Pong Dam, commissioned in 1974 on the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh, stands as one of India’s major multipurpose river valley projects. Conceived under the Beas Project, its primary objectives were irrigation supply to Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, hydroelectric