Why in news?
On 18 October 2025, the forest department of Himachal Pradesh organised an international bird‑watching programme in the Rakchham–Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary. Participants from more than a dozen countries trekked through the high‑altitude valley and spotted over 35 species, including the Plumbeous Water Redstart, Blue‑fronted Redstart and Rock Bunting. The event aimed to raise awareness about conservation and highlight the sanctuary’s rich biodiversity.
Background
Rakchham–Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh between the villages of Rakchham and Chitkul in the Sangla Valley. Notified in 1989, the reserve extends over roughly 34 km² (around 30 – 34 km² in different reports) and ranges from about 3,200 m to more than 5,400 m above sea level. Because it sits in the rain‑shadow of the Great Himalaya, the valley receives little monsoon rainfall, giving rise to dry alpine forests and meadows.
Location and topography
- Geographical setting: The sanctuary occupies the upper reaches of the Baspa River, a tributary of the Sutlej, between the picturesque villages of Rakchham and Chitkul. Steep slopes, rocky cliffs and snow‑capped peaks frame the valley.
- Lamkhaga Pass: One of the region’s toughest trekking routes, the 5,282‑m Lamkhaga Pass connects Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh to Harsil in Uttarakhand. It lies near the eastern boundary of the sanctuary and has historically served as a trade route.
- Climate: The area falls in a cold desert zone. Summers are brief and mild, while winters are long and harsh. Lack of monsoon rainfall means that vegetation depends on snowmelt and streams.
Flora and fauna
- Vegetation: Mixed forests of blue pine, deodar and rhododendron occupy lower slopes. Higher altitudes support alpine meadows dotted with juniper and medicinal herbs like Aconitum (wolf’s bane) and Ephedra.
- Mammals: The sanctuary is known for elusive snow leopards, Himalayan ibex, blue sheep (bharal), goral, musk deer and Himalayan and Asiatic black bears. These species roam across rocky terrain and use the valley as a corridor.
- Bird life: More than 50 bird species have been recorded. Besides the redstarts and buntings observed during the bird‑watching event, visitors may see Himalayan monal, choughs, accentors and lammergeiers (bearded vultures).
Conservation and community
The inhabitants of Rakchham and Chitkul belong predominantly to the Kinnauri community. Their livelihoods depend on subsistence farming, pastoralism and tourism. The bird‑watching programme invited local youth to act as guides, building pride in their natural heritage. However, increasing tourism and climate change could disrupt fragile alpine ecosystems. Authorities plan to balance development with conservation by limiting visitor numbers and promoting eco‑friendly practices.
Source: The Indian Express · WildTrails · IE