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 Foundation (NCF), the number of snow leopards in the state has risen from 51 in 2021 to 83 in 2025, excluding cubs. The announcement came on the first day of Wildlife Week, symbolizing Himachal’s growing
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 among the driest and harshest environments on Earth, yet home to unique flora, fauna, and resilient human communities. Constitutional Provisions for Biodiversity Protection in India India’s commitment to biodiversity conservation is backed by strong constitutional safeguards: Article 48A
Gift of Tradition: The Story of Himachali Pulla and Their Revival
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented traditional hemp slippers, known as pulla, to the priests of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, he did more than just offer a gift—he spotlighted an age-old Himalayan craft that carries within it a story of faith, sustainability, and resilience. These eco-friendly slippers, deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Himachal Pradesh, embody the spirit of simplicity and the wisdom of living in harmony with nature. What Are Pulla? Pulla are handcrafted slippers
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 the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, on September 20. This recognition underscores the state government’s unwavering commitment to biodiversity conservation and its innovative strategies in reviving one of India’s most iconic freshwater species. Golden Mahaseer: A Symbol
The Battle of Bhangani 1686:Key Insights and Highlights
Introduction The Battle of Bhangani, a significant event in Sikh history, took place in the year 1686 A.D., near Paonta Sahib. It was a clash born out of complex political dynamics, personal rivalries, and shifting allegiances. This article delves into the circumstances leading to the battle and the heroic accounts of those who took part in it. Background and Precursors Causes of the Battle of Bhangani In the late 17th century, Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, found
Gorkha Invasions and the Fall of Sansar Chand: How the Hill States Reshaped Power in the Himalayas
The early 19th century was a period of turbulence in the western Himalayas. The fall of the Mughal Empire and the shifting balance of power in Punjab and the hills created a vacuum that ambitious rulers sought to exploit. In this backdrop, the Gorkha expansion from Nepal dramatically altered the political landscape of present-day Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The story of Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra and General Amar Singh Thapa of Nepal exemplifies this