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Since 1984, population of wild animals has increased due to imposition of total ban on hunting. The extensification of agriculture coupled with increased human interference in hitherto undisturbed areas has led to greater human-animal conflict. Whereas, Wild Boar, Black Bear and Monkeys are reported to sometimes cause damage to standing crops, instances of lifting of domestic animals by leopards are also reported. Stray cases of injuries to and loss of human life by leopard and black bear have been reported.
The wildlife managers are in the process of formulating a long- term policy to deal effectively with the increasing human-wild animal conflicts. The State Government, concerned about these conflicts, extends monetary compensation in cases of loss of domestic animals and injuries to or loss of human life due to wild animals. It's impossible to separate forests and animals, since both are essential components of the environment.
10.3.8 Environment Forestry and Wildlife
Protection, improvement of environment and wildlife, creation of wildlife sanctuaries/national parks, and enhancement of wildlife habitat are all part of the scheme with the ultimate goal of saving endangered birds and animal species.
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State level Special Task Forces has been constituted under the Chief Secretary, Government of Himachal Pradesh for taking measures to eliminate single use plastic in mission mode.
10.4.2 Creation of Model Eco Villages
The Department of Environment, Science & Technology is implementing Model Eco Villages scheme in the State. This scheme is focusing towards the perspective of developing low impact lifestyle as to reduce the ―ecological footprint‖
by as much as 50 per cent of the base assessment from the launch of the scheme.
19 villages have been included under this scheme and total budget of ₹2.44 crore have been utilized upto 31st December, 2022 under this scheme.
10.4.3 Research and Development (R&D) Projects
To promote R&D, "Himachal Pradesh Specific Research and Development Projects 2022-23" are being funded to develop academic institutions, National laboratories and other recognized R&D Institutions in different fields of the State.
10.4.4 Schedule Caste (SC) Development Plan
This scheme is being implemented to strengthen capacity of marginal SC families/farmers for meeting energy requirement for irrigation, water lifting, heating and space lighting through demostration of solar power plants, restoration and mechanization of traditional water mills (Gharats), revival of natural springs of marginal SC families/communities.
10.4.5 State Level Environment Leadership Awards
Himachal Pradesh Environment Leadership Awards scheme is one of regular scheme of the Department of Environment, Science & Technology. Under this scheme ₹25.00 lakh have been earmarked to be utilized during the FY2022-23 and 34 applications have been received for awards in different sectors.
10.4.6 State Knowledge Cell on Climate Change (KCCC)
Under the National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystems (NMSHE), the Department of Environment, Science and Technology, Himachal Pradesh has established a State Knowledge Cell on Climate Change (KCCC). The Government of India provided ₹1.12 crore for State KCCC operations. The department is creating a cohesive database on geological, hydrological, ecological, social cultural and traditional ecosystem preservation and conservation information. Thus, monitoring and analysing data helps build a climate change policy knowledge base. The Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plans for Kinnaur & Lahaul-Spiti
districts have been prepared and plans for Shimla, Kullu & Mandi are being prepared.
10.4.7 Climate Adaptation and Finance in Rural India (CAFRI) project
CAFRI project is implemented in the State under Indo-German Technical Co- operation between German Development Co-operation (GIZ) and Minisstry of
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Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Under this project Capacity Development Package has been prepared and launched for the Panchayati Raj Institutions and Mahila Mandals and various trainings and capacity building programme have been organized in the State during FY2022-23.
10.4.8 Knowledge Network on Climate Change and Disaster risk reduction (HPKNCC&DRR)
In order to implement SDG-13 Vision 2030 targets, HPKNCC&DRR has been setup in the State with the objectives to bring together policymakers, adaptation researchers, private and other non-governmental sectors at State and regional levels to support the objectives outlined in the State Mission for Climate Change Strategic Knowledge and Information.
10.4.9 National Adaption fund for Climate Change (NAFCC)
Implementation of NAFCC (National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change) project in drought prone areas of three developmental blocks of district Sirmaur with the financial outlay of ₹20.00 crore has been completed. The objectives of this programme was to reduce the climate related vulnerability and improve the adaptive capacity of rural small and marginal farmers including rural women by introducing a package of Climate Smart Farming Technologies along with required social engineering and capacity building processes leading to improved food security and enhanced livelihood options to enhance resilience.
Department has successfully completed the training programme under National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change in drought prone areas of three developmental blocks of district Sirmaur and provided trainings to 30,880 farmers on climate change adaptation. The achievement of this project has also been showcased during 27th Conference of the Parties (COP-27) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Egypt from 6thNov, 2022 to 18th Nov, 2022.
10.4.10 Demonstration Micro Municipal Solid Waste Management Facilities State Government has completed the process for setting up of 10 demonstration Municipal Solid Waste management facilities as pilot projects in the state with a budget of ₹4.48 crores sanctioned by MoEF&CC, GoI under National Mission on Himalayan Studies scheme.
10.4.11 State of Environment Report-2022
The Department of Environment, Science & Technology has revised and published State of Environment Report (SoER) 2022 covering various sectors viz Physiography, Agriculture, Horticulture, Bio-diversity, Energy, Land use, Forest, Health, Industry and Mining, Tourism and Culture, Transport, Water Resources, Environment Pollution and Management, Society and Environment & Natural Disaster. The SoER is brought under the scheme launched by MoEF&CC, GoI on the Pressure, State, Impact and Response Model (PSIR).This report has been released on the eve of the World Environment Day, 05th June, 2022.
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10.5 Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology, and Environment (HIMCOSTE)
The Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology and Environment
(HIMCOSTE), is the nodal agency for the promotion of Science and Technology and creation of Environment Awareness in the State.