Archive · 27 Sep 2025
Road Closure Unfeasible: Forest Dept. Defends Puruwala-Simbalbara Route
Imagine a road going through a national park.
Some people worry it's hurting the animals and the trees.
The government says that this road is very important for people who live nearby because it lets them go to the market, school, and the doctor.
The government doesn't think closing the road is a good idea because the local community depends on it.
It would be hard to move these people somewhere else.
The forest department also said that the road isn't causing serious harm to the park.
The road is mainly for local community use.
The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department defended the Puruwala-Simbalbara road before the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The department says the road is crucial for the local community.
The NGT raised concerns about the road's impact on the park's biodiversity.
The department stated relocating residents would require a substantial amount of land.
The department claims there is no conclusive evidence of serious adverse impact on the park’s biodiversity.
- Who
- Himachal Pradesh Forest and Wildlife Department, Sanjay Kumar (applicant)
- What
- The Forest Department is defending the Puruwala-Simbalbara road through Simbalbara National Park.
- When
- Submission was made to the National Green Tribunal on September 23.
- Where
- Simbalbara National Park in Himachal Pradesh.
- Why
- To counter the NGT's concerns about the road's impact on the park and to assert its importance to local communities.
- Road Name
- Puruwala-Simbalbara road
- Road Length
- 12 km
- Location
- Simbalbara National Park, Sirmour district
- Population of Pillodi
- 2,253
- Pillodi Residents Dependence
- Access to markets, education, healthcare, and employment
- Alternative Route
- Chhachhroli in Haryana (nearly 50 km)