PRENEETA SHARMA
In a dispute involving the nonscientific management of horses and tourism in Kufri, Himachal Pradesh, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered the state government to create suitable rules in three months.
The issue started with a written petition from Shailendra Kumar Yadav, who emphasized the harm to the local ecosystem and natural vegetation caused by the unchecked horse traffic in Kufri’s restricted forest region.
The applicant claimed that approximately 700–800 horses were destroying tree roots and forest trails throughout 8–10 square kilometers of the Kufri reserved forest and watershed region, which resulted in a decrease in the variety of plants and animals.
Although the estimated carrying capacity was just 217 horses per day, a joint committee established by the NGT noted that 1,029 horses were registered and operating in the region.
Invasive species, limited tree regeneration, damage to native vegetation, and fecal coliform contamination of water samples were also confirmed by the committee.
The committee recommended creating an Eco Development Committee, gradually lowering the number of horses, setting up a feces treatment plant, and regulating horse and tourism operations through the Himachal Pradesh Ecotourism Society. Additionally, it suggested creating different routes for people to walk and implementing environmentally friendly choices like cars that run on batteries.
Later, the Forest Department provided a thorough action plan for vermicomposting horse manure, estimating that 400–500 tonnes are produced each year.
The department suggested using the vermicomposting approach since it was more economical than briquetting. The carrying capacity for horses was increased to 293 per day using the Cifuentes approach, whereas Mahasu Peak could host 2,232 visitors per day.
After approving the findings, the NGT gave the Himachal Pradesh government three months to develop policies and directives after consulting with organizations representing horse owners.
After then, the state has to provide the NGT with a report detailing its actions. As a result, the case was closed.
