Manali highway wildlife deaths: Himachal CM Sukhu orders safety measures
Synopsis
At Himachal Pradesh's 12th State Board for Wildlife meeting, CM Sukhu pushed for urgent action on wildlife deaths along the Kiratpur-Manali highway — while the same sitting approved forest land diversions for ITBP border posts and a road widening inside a wildlife sanctuary, highlighting the state's balancing act between security, development, and conservation.
Key Takeaways
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directed measures to reduce wildlife fatalities on the Kiratpur-Manali national highway near Suket forest division , Mandi district .
The 12th State Board for Wildlife meeting on 24 October approved all proposals tabled, covering border security, road connectivity, and forest diversion.
1.78.20 hectares of forest land approved for 17th Battalion ITBP in Kinnaur for a border outpost in Lahaul-Spiti .
4.72 hectares inside Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary cleared for widening of the Bhulah-Shikari Devi Road .
CM Sukhu sought panchayat-wise monkey population data and directed faster completion of Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park Bankhandi in Kangra .
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday, 24 October directed authorities to implement concrete measures to reduce wildlife-related accidental fatalities along the Kiratpur-Manali national highway, which runs adjacent to the Suket forest division in Mandi district. The directive came during the 12th meeting of the State Board for Wildlife, where the issue was flagged as a pressing conservation and road-safety concern.
Key Agenda at the Wildlife Board Meeting
Beyond wildlife mortality on highways, the board deliberated on a wide range of proposals spanning industrial development, strategic border infrastructure, road connectivity, diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes, and broader wildlife conservation priorities. According to an official government statement, all proposals were evaluated against applicable statutory provisions, national security requirements, and environmental protection obligations.
Forest Land Diversions Approved for Border Security
The board approved several proposals involving diversion of forest land for strategic military and border infrastructure. These included:
— Diversion of 1.78.20 hectares of forest land in favour of the 17th Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), deployed in Reckong Peo in Kinnaur district, for establishing a border outpost at Muhal Lalung and Dhar Chokula in Kaza, Lahaul-Spiti district.
— Diversion of 1.60 hectares of forest land in favour of the IInd Battalion of the ITBP, deployed in Kullu, for a forward post at Nithal Thach in Kinnaur.
— A proposal within the Rakcham-Chhitkul Wildlife Sanctuary for the 11 MAHAR Regiment / Headquarters 136 (Independent) Infantry Brigade Group to develop military infrastructure along the northern border at Nagasti in Sangla, Kinnaur, was also placed before and approved by the board.
Road Widening Inside Shikari Devi Sanctuary Cleared
The board also approved the diversion of 4.72 hectares of forest land within the Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary in favour of the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department, Seraj Division, for the widening and upgradation of the Bhulah-Shikari Devi Road. This approval reflects the state government's effort to balance road connectivity needs with wildlife habitat concerns — a tension that is increasingly common across Himalayan states.
Monkey Census and Zoo Construction Also Reviewed
Chief Minister Sukhu additionally sought panchayat-wise data on monkey populations across the state, signalling a structured approach to managing human-wildlife conflict in rural areas. He also reviewed progress on the under-construction Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park Bankhandi in Dehra, Kangra district, and directed officials to expedite the remaining construction work. This comes amid growing public interest in wildlife tourism and conservation infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh.
All proposals deliberated at the meeting were ultimately approved, with the government statement noting that decisions were made keeping in view both developmental imperatives and the requirements of wildlife conservation and environmental protection. The board's decisions are expected to shape forest and wildlife governance in the state over the coming months.
Point of View
Not just approvals. Without mandated wildlife corridors, underpasses, or speed-restriction enforcement on the Kiratpur-Manali stretch, the CM's directive risks remaining aspirational. Himachal's record on implementing post-approval wildlife safeguards deserves scrutiny as these projects move to execution.
NationPress
24 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Himachal CM Sukhu raise the issue of wildlife deaths on the Manali highway?
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu raised the issue at the 12th State Board for Wildlife meeting on 24 October, stressing the need for concrete measures to reduce accidental wildlife fatalities along the Kiratpur-Manali national highway near the Suket forest division in Mandi district. The highway passes through ecologically sensitive terrain where animal crossings frequently lead to road accidents.
What forest land diversions were approved at the Himachal State Board for Wildlife meeting?
The board approved multiple diversions: 1.78.20 hectares for an ITBP border outpost in Lahaul-Spiti, 1.60 hectares for an ITBP forward post in Kinnaur, forest land within Rakcham-Chhitkul Wildlife Sanctuary for military infrastructure, and 4.72 hectares inside Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary for road widening. All approvals were made in view of statutory provisions, national security needs, and environmental protection requirements.
What is the Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary road widening project?
It involves the diversion of 4.72 hectares of forest land within the Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary in favour of the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department, Seraj Division, for widening and upgrading the Bhulah-Shikari Devi Road. The proposal was approved at the 12th State Board for Wildlife meeting on 24 October.
What is the Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park Bankhandi?
It is an under-construction zoological park located in Dehra, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. CM Sukhu reviewed its progress at the wildlife board meeting and directed officials to accelerate construction work.
What other wildlife-related issues did CM Sukhu address at the meeting?
Besides highway wildlife safety, CM Sukhu sought panchayat-wise data on monkey populations across the state, indicating a move toward structured management of human-wildlife conflict in rural Himachal Pradesh.
