Glyphosate Use Sparks Environmental Alarm in Himachal Forests

Environmental advocates and former officials have formally requested Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to initiate a statewide prohibition on glyphosate. This herbicide is reportedly being used to clear forest vegetation for commercial farming, with a specific focus on pea cultivation. The group, comprising scientists and activists, submitted a letter on Thursday to the Chief Minister, demanding an immediate ban on the sale, storage, and application of Glyphosate 41% SL.

This appeal comes in the wake of the Forest Department's recent intervention to remove illegal pea crops from forest land in Mandi. The concerned parties highlighted that glyphosate is also prevalent in Kullu, Shimla, and Chamba for preparing land for high-value crops. They cautioned that these practices could severely impact biodiversity, degrade soil health, and heighten the vulnerability of slopes to erosion and landslides, especially during heavy rainfall.

Further proposals include district-level investigations, enhanced surveillance of sensitive forest areas, and comprehensive surveys utilizing advanced technologies like drones and satellite imagery. The group also advocates for scientific testing of soil, vegetation, and water sources for pesticide residues and the subsequent restoration of any damaged ecosystems. They also seek the identification and removal of forest land encroachments made after the Forest Rights Act's cut-off date of December 13, 2005.