Concerned for the safety and procreation process of snow leopard and other endangered wildlife species which descend down to lower areas after winter snowfall, the Spiti administration on Monday imposed a complete ban on car rallies in major sanctuary areas.
Additional district magistrate (ADM) at Spiti Gian Sagar Negi said it has been seen that various travel agencies organise car rallies especially during winter season in Spiti valley which passes through snow leopard landscapes of Kibber wildlife sanctuary.
“Animals like snow leopard, blue sheep, Himalayan serow and ibex descend down to lower elevation after snowfall in higher regions. February and March is the mating season of snow leopards. Passage of heavy vehicular traffic is not only disturbing the natural habitats of the animals but it will also adversely affect the procreation of snow leopards which are highly endangered species,” he said.
The ADM imposed a ban on car rallies in Kibber wildlife sanctuary through Lidang, Demul, Komic, Hikkim and Langcha village areas and from Rangrik bridge to Chicham via Kee and Kibber villages with immediate effect. “Any violation of this order will attract legal action under Wildlife Protection Act and Section 188 of CrPC.
He added that both state and Centre are making efforts for conservation of these wild animals through different projects and programmes.
“The heavy rush of the vehicles and their loud sounds are disturbing the wild animals. Kibber sanctuary is home to snow leopard and many other rare species. Snow leopard sighting tours in winter season are one of the major sources of income for local residents. The car rallies are posing threat to the wild animals and will also indirectly hit the snow leopard sighting tours. This important issue was brought to my notice and imposing ban on car rallies was very important,” Negi added.
A large number of tourists visit Spiti to experience the winter season, photography and snow leopard sighting. In recent times, a trend of “snow rally” has become very popular where tourists enjoy driving through the snow-covered landscapes after making a long queue of four-wheel-drive vehicles.
As density of snow leopard is high in the Area from Chicham to Demul via Kibber, Kee and Komic villages, the administration had to take a tough stand for wildlife conservation. Although hotels in Spiti will open for tourists from February 17, many tourists were visiting the valley and many of them were carrying their tents for night stay.
Comments