Himachal Pradesh Declares ‘Tsarap Chu CR’ as India’s Largest Conservation Reserve.

National

In May 2025, the Himachal Pradesh Government officially notified the Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve (CR) in Spiti Valley as India’s largest conservation reserve, under Section 36A(1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.


      - This newly designated reserve spans 1,585 sq km, making it the 5th Conservation Reserve in Himachal Pradesh, following Shilli CR, Naina Devi CR, Dariaghat CR, and Potter Hills CR.

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) Bounded by Ladakh UT to the north, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary (extending to Malang Nala and Lungar Lungpa) to the east, Kabjima Nala to the south, and Chandratal Wildlife Sanctuary to the west, Tsarap Chu CR is also the confluence point of the Unam River and Charap Nala.

      (ii) The area is known for its high density of snow leopards, often referred to as the "ghost of the mountains" due to their elusive nature.

(iii) A Conservation Reserve Management Committee (CRMC), comprising local panchayat representatives and officials, will oversee the sustainable management of the reserve—balancing community needs with wildlife conservation efforts.

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