IBCA Presents ₹3 Crore Cheque to Chief Minister for Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve Management

Shimla, July 27:
A delegation from the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), led by Sumitra Das Gupta, handed over a cheque of ₹3 crore to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for the conservation and management of the newly notified Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve.

Expressing gratitude for the generous support, the Chief Minister said that the funds would play a key role in initiating conservation efforts, such as drafting a management plan, forming a management committee, and building the capacity of relevant stakeholders. He added that the assistance would also strengthen community-driven wildlife conservation efforts, while generating sustainable livelihood opportunities through eco-friendly activities.

The Tsarap Chu region was officially declared as India’s largest conservation reserve on May 7, 2025, following the Chief Minister’s announcement during the Wildlife Week closing ceremony. Spanning an area of 1,585 square kilometres, the reserve is located in the Trans-Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh. It is bordered by Ladakh to the north, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary to the east, Kazhima Nala to the south, and the Chandratal Wildlife Sanctuary and Baralacha Pass to the west.

The Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most important high-density habitats for snow leopards. It also harbours a rich variety of Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan flora and fauna, including species like the Tibetan wolf, kiang, bharal, ibex, Tibetan argali, as well as bird species such as the rosefinch, Tibetan raven, and yellow-billed chough. The reserve falls within the watershed area of the Tsarap Nala and serves as a crucial wildlife corridor connecting Kibber and Chandratal sanctuaries.

Calling it a historic step, the Chief Minister said that the declaration of Tsarap Chu as the country’s largest conservation reserve would pave the way for promoting eco-tourism, nature photography, camping, and wildlife research, thereby creating new livelihood options for local communities. The reserve will be managed by a Conservation Reserve Management Committee, which will include representatives from local panchayats to ensure inclusive, community-based governance that aligns ecological goals with local needs.

The IBCA, a coalition of 96 range and non-range countries, is dedicated to the global conservation of the seven big cat species—including the tiger, lion, leopard, and snow leopard—and their habitats. The alliance has shown particular interest in strengthening and expanding protected area networks in high-altitude regions like Himachal Pradesh.

Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)-cum-Chief Wildlife Warden Amitabh Gautam were also present on the occasion.