The Himachal Pradesh High Court has quashed the January 13, 2022 notification that declared parts of three grama panchayats around Col Sher Jung National Park, also known as Simbalbara National Park, as an Eco-Sensitive Zone. The decision concerns Bhatanwali, Patalia and Behral panchayats in Sirmaur district. The court held that the mandatory procedure for notifying an Eco-Sensitive Zone was not properly followed and that stakeholder consultation was inadequate.
What the Court Held
The Division Bench found that the impact of an Eco-Sensitive Zone on local residents makes procedural compliance essential. It ruled that the prescribed guidelines for ESZ declaration are mandatory in nature. The court said the authorities failed to follow the required process and set aside the notification.
Background of the Notification
The ESZ process began in 2012, with early consultations involving local representatives. However, no effective follow-up took place for years. A draft notification issued in 2015 lapsed after the state did not submit the required information and revised proposals within the stipulated time. A fresh draft was later issued in December 2020, leading to the final notification in January 2022.
Ecological Significance of Simbalbara
Col Sher Jung National Park is strategically important for wildlife conservation. It forms part of a wider ecological landscape linked with Rajaji National Park in Uttarakhand and Kalesar National Park in Haryana. The area serves as a wildlife corridor, especially for Asiatic elephants moving between Uttarakhand and Haryana. A tiger was also recorded in a camera trap in the park for the first time in February 2023.
Why the Case Matters
The judgment marks the legal importance of due process in environmental governance. It also reflects the balance between conservation measures and the rights of local communities living near protected areas. The ruling may influence future ESZ notifications and consultation practices in ecologically sensitive regions.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026