Environmental Groups Urge Himachal Government to Ban Glyphosate Use on Forest Land

A group of environmentalists led by Guman Singh, Coordinator of Himalaya NITI Abhiyan, retired forest officials, scientists, social workers and civil society representatives has urged Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to take immediate action against the alleged use of glyphosate and other herbicides to clear forest land for illegal pea cultivation.

In a letter dated August 20, the group raised concerns over reports of forest areas being chemically cleared before being used for pea cultivation. The letter referred to recent action by the Forest Department in the Thachi Forest Range of the Nachan Forest Division in Mandi district, where an alleged illegal crop was removed.

The signatories said the Mandi incident may not be an isolated case and expressed concern that similar encroachments could be taking place in other high-altitude forest areas. They also alleged that illegal cultivation of cannabis has been reported at some locations.

Concerns over environmental impact

The letter highlighted concerns about the potential impact of widespread herbicide use on forests, soil ecosystems, biodiversity and water sources. It noted that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate in 2015 as a Group 2A substance, described in the letter as “probably carcinogenic to humans.”

The group said chemical removal of vegetation in mountain forests could have wider consequences, including increased soil erosion, slope instability, landslide risks and possible impacts on water sources.

The concerns assume added significance in view of Himachal Pradesh’s Mission-32, under which the state has set a target of increasing forest cover from 29.5 per cent to 32 per cent by 2030. The signatories argued that clearing forest vegetation for agricultural encroachment would run contrary to this long-term environmental objective.

Demand for complete ban on Glyphosate 41% SL

Among their key demands, the group has called for a complete ban on the sale, storage and spraying of Glyphosate 41% SL and products sold under various trade names, including Roundup, Glycel, Garud, Hijack, Glyfos and Duster, following the model of regulatory action taken in Kerala.

They have also sought district-wise investigations into allegations of herbicide use on forest land and special inspection drives in identified vulnerable forest areas.

The letter further calls for action against advertisements and promotional material on social media or other platforms that allegedly encourage the use of herbicides to clear forests, dry trees or destroy vegetation.

Probe into forest encroachments

The group has urged the government to identify encroachments made after December 13, 2005, and ensure that new encroachments are not recognised as forest rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. It has also sought accountability from forest officials for failing to prevent or remove such encroachments in time.

For a state-wide assessment, the signatories have proposed the use of drone surveys, satellite imagery and GIS-based mapping to identify changes in forest-land use over the past several years.

Scientific testing of affected areas

The letter also seeks scientific testing of soil, water, vegetation and biodiversity in areas where glyphosate or other herbicides are alleged to have been used. Special testing for pesticide residues in drinking-water sources has been proposed.

The group has further called for scientific plans for the restoration of affected areas and natural regeneration of forests.

Another recommendation is the formation of Forest Protection and Awareness Committees at the development-block level, involving panchayat representatives, local communities, environmental experts, civil society organisations, environmental activists and retired forest and agriculture officials.

The signatories stressed that Himachal’s forests are not merely government land but are vital to the state’s water security, biodiversity, agriculture, tourism, local livelihoods and the future of coming generations.

They have appealed to the Chief Minister to direct the concerned departments to initiate immediate action and undertake a state-wide investigation to protect forest areas from illegal and potentially environmentally harmful use.

The letter has been signed by around 44 citizens and organisations, including environmental groups, retired forest officials, scientists, academics and social workers.