Great Himalayan National Park: Four Valleys

Four Valleys of the Grea Himalayan National Park

1. Tirthan Valley
Hanskund: a little pond at the headwaters of the Tirthan river is revered as a secred place

2. Sainj Valley

Rakti Sar: the headwaters of Sainj river is a holy place. It is a strenuous trek to reach this place.

3.Jiwa Nal Valley

Sartoo: A small glacial pond near the headwaters of Jiwa Nal is believed to be the origin of river.

4. Parvati Valley

Mantalai: A lake of considerable expanse. A pilgrimage destination and origin of Parvati river.

The features that initially attracted interest and led to the preservation of this area as Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) in southern part of the Kullu Valley were its biodiversity representativeness in the Western Himalayas, low level of habitations, remoteness, inaccessibility, and local economy based on traditional undertakings.

100% of the Park remains untouched by the modern-day development, providing a wide range of habitat types that support one of the Western Himalayas largest and more varied large ecosystem. GHNP is a true wilderness, one of the few large natural areas remaining in the Western Himalayas.

The Great Himalayan National Park is an investment in the physical, mental and spiritual well being of Indians as individuals, and Himachalis in particular. It is a gainful investment in something as simple and fundamental as good citizenship: love of country, and appreciation of the natural and historic fabric of western Himalayas.

There are a few things one can do to increase chances of having a rewarding visit - and help preserve the Park as well: Consider keeping the Great Himalayan National Park, clean.

Great Himalayan National Park Time Line:

By Wildlife Protection Act, (1972) of India, the Great Himalayan National Park was set apart for protecting, propogating or developing wildlife therein or its environment. GHNP is the latest and newest National Park of India.
1980: Himachal Wildlife Project-I (HPW-I) surveyed forest areas of H.P. for wildlife conservation. The survey team included Dr. AJ Gaston, Dr. PJ Garson and Dr.Hunter along with officials of Himachal Pradesh Forest Department and others.

1983: Himachal Wildlife Project-II (HPW-II) continued the wildlife surveys and recommended creation of the Great Himalayan National Park in its present location.

Ist March, 1984: Notification of intention of Government of Himachal Pradesh to constitute the Great Himalayan National Park with buffer zone.

30th July, 1990: Revised notification of intention of Government of Himachal Pradesh to constitute the Great Himalayan National Park (without buffer zone) as specified in the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This is in suppression of earlier notification dated 1.3.1984.

July, 1992: Himachal Wildlife Project-III (HPW-III) re-assessed wildlife abundance, obtained information on livestock grazing and herb collection and reviewed the existing management plan.22nd Feb.,1994Notification of intention of the Government of HP to constitute the Sainj Wildlife Sanctuary.

26th Feb.,1994: Notification of intention of the Government of HP to constitute the Great Himalayan National Park by including upper Parvati catchment. This is in suppression of the earlier notification dated 30th July, 1990.

October, 1994 to December 1999: Conservator of Biodiversity Project for five year duration at the Great Himalayan National Park.

1994-1999: The Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun conducted a research project at the Great Himalayan National Park. The research inputs contributed to the management of the Park.

May 1999: The Govt. of Himachal Pradesh issued final notification of the Great Himalayan National Park.

2004: First ever livelihood-based management plan in India for Biodiversity conservation prepared for GHNP (author: Sanjeeva Pandey).

The GHNP Management Plan revisits the planning sequence as following:

• It prioritizes working with the local communities (their livelihoods) to reduce their dependencies on the PA’s natural resources, and

• the interventions to manage, monitor and protect the natural habitats/species and resources are facilitated when the local communities cooperate.