Messages: GHNPCA Meet 2026

We gather here today to mark a time in the history of the GHNP. A time that comes rarely when we look at the past and to the future of an institution that has come to symbolise the continuity of our natural heritage amid rapidly changing times of uncertainty; the looming threat of climate change, the shrinking of wilderness and its inhabitants and the growing impact of the relentless Human footprint. Particularly vulnerable are the fragile high mountains harbouring unique eco

A video by Tony J Gaston

Today I am blessed to serve the Himalayas as a part of the Indian Forest Service. I owe in a large measure the inspiration to join the IFS to GHNP - as our home was present not very far away and the stories of this treasure-trove of conservation as also of its architects - most of all Sh. Sanjeeva Pandey Sir created a significant imprint on a young mind. GHNP today is a crown jewel of Himachal Pradesh and the Friends of GHNP have played a vital part in writing this story. I w

Having worked alongside the Great Himalayan National Park and its surrounding communities for many years, I deeply value the commitment of the Friends of GHNPCA to protecting this extraordinary natural heritage. Conservation is strongest when institutions, civil society and local communities work together. I hope the Friends of GHNPCA can continue to strengthen this bridge, working closely with the Park administration while ensuring that the people who live around the Park ar

Congratulations! And best wishes. Vidya B Kumar IFS( Rtd) Ex PCCF ( HoFF) Punjab

My very best wishes and do keep up your commitment and efforts. The nation needs action from dedicated people to save the nation’s National Natural Heritage. Ranjitsinh Good wishes and regards MK Ranjitsinh

Dear Sanjeeva, received your kind message with the good news of a new website being launched. Thank you for including me. Its been one of a lifetime experience trecking with Payson and friends and meeting you so many years ago. I am still holding magic images in my memory. Thank you all for your ongoing love and care for this paradise for mankind. Kindest regards Mit lieben Grüßen Nele

“GHNPCA is a thriving Western Himalayan landscape where biodiversity is conserved, air and rivers remain healthy, communities prosper and future generations inherit and inspire the natural heritage of the mountains” Dr Virinder Sharma Member Technical (Additional Secretary to GoI), Commision for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Govt. of India, New Delhi

Down the memory lane The very mention of GHNP stirs nostalgia. And when there is an event on the horizon such as the proposed GHNPCA Meet at Sai Ropa on 4-5 September, a trip down the memory lane becomes inevitable. So how did it all come about? Who were the forerunners, the trailblazers who trudged the hills, vales and slopes of the Beas catchment, and trekked the eerie wildernesses of Tirthan/Sainj and Sainj, exploring their rich biodiversity in all its beauty and wonder? W

Recounting My Days in the Great Himalayan National Park Joining the field survey teams for the Himachal Wildlife Project (Phases 1 & 2, 1980–1983) was both thrilling and a welcome opportunity. Of my many memories from that time, one stands out vividly today. In the winter of 1983, our Phase 2 team was led by Dr. Peter J. Garson and included Philip McGowan, Sanjay Monga from the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), and myself. Our work focused on the scenic Sainj and Tirthan

Echoes from the Western Himalayas: Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area The early mornings in the Tirthan, Sainj, Jiva and Parvati valleys were governed by the sharp call of the Himalayan Monal and the steep, punishing climb through damp oak and fir forests. As one of the first Biologist conducting field studies under the Wildlife Institute of India’s multi-disciplinary research initiative in the mid-1990s placed me directly at the intersection of protected area

My Time with Payson R. Stevens in GHNP I am going to miss the Friends of GHNPs meet at Sai Ropa scheduled the next week (4-5th September 2026). Dr. Sanjeeva Pandey called me and said if I can’t make it, at least send some thoughts on our time with Payson R. Stevens in GHNP and how he influenced us to treasure the serenity of GHNP. My thoughts, in brief, are summarized below: As I write this note, my heart and mind are closely connected to GHNP where I have been visiting i