KHAJJIAR, known as mini Switzerland for its lush landscape, is 24 km from Chamba district and equidistance from the famous hill station of Dalhousie. Lakhs of tourists not only from within the country but also from abroad visit this scenic location each year. This famous tourist spot is however losing its natural beauty: excessive grazing is destroying its grassy patch and polluting the famous Khajjiar lake.

Khajjiar, situated 6400 feet above sea level, is named after a local deity, Khajji Nag. The grassy glade of Khajjiar, which is part of the Khajjiar-Kalatop sanctuary, is spread over 18.5 hectares. This picturesque area surrounded by thick deodar forest is visited by 1000 tourists every day, and their number shoots up to 5000 and more during peak tourist season.

The heavy rush of sightseers is taking a toll of the panoramic landscape and disturbing its ecological balance. Tourists who visit this place leave behind polythene bags along with other trash. They are using the ground as a dustbin but there is no one to check them. A part-time sweeper finds it impossible to clear all the garbage, which ultimately goes into the lake. The drains too remain choked with polybags. Locals say that many years ago water of the lake was even used for drinking. Now the depth of the lake has also started decreasing, since silt and cow dung flows into it from the slopes. If nothing is done to check this inflow, it is feared the lake may completely vanish one day. A large number of horses used by tourists for riding also contribute to the pollution.

As many as 600 animals, including buffaloes, cows, horses, goats and sheep, come to graze at the famous Khajjiar ground from the nearby villages. They come in the morning, graze for the whole day and then go back after sunset. These animals come from close by villages, including Rota, Bhalti, Lahari, Bhengbehi, Benska, Pinjyara, Ghotlu, Darol, Lindibehi, Gharot Behi, Jhuru, Kolahri, Padhar, Nami-zimi, Lahara, Padhratu and Bandhi. Gujjars and gaddis, while travelling with hundreds of animals, also use this area as a transit camp. Approximately 15 quintals of cow dung flows into the lake daily. The situation worsens during rainy season when water from the three adjoining nullahs also enters the lake mixed with cow dung and mud. There is heavy soil erosion due to the non-stop grazing. Earlier a number of herbs grew beside the lake but now there is no trace of them.

Alok Nagar, DFO, Wildlife, Chamba, says that about 500 animals graze daily in the ground but little can be done to stop this practice as these villagers have been given grazing rights. Alternative sites for grazing have been suggested to villagers but they are not willing to accept them.

The increasing number of tourists and vehicular traffic is also affecting the ecological balance and wildlife in the area. Earlier tourists used to spot wild animals in the verdant field but that has become a rarity now.

Of late, migratory birds have started visiting the lake. This phenomenon was observed this winter. If the lake is developed, it can become a permanent feature, adding to the beauty of the place. The representatives of the local panchayat say they are unable to take steps to preserve the beauty of the place in the absence of funds. Different government departments and bodies give different versions but they all admit that due to the increasing level of pollution, the place is losing its natural charm and if not saved, it will soon become like any ordinary ground and the existing lake will vanish completely.

Recently a team of scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, while studying the eco system of Khajjiar, found that water of the lake had become more acidic. This can prove harmful for the aquatic life in the lake. The team, while suggesting an immediate stop to indiscriminate grazing, advocated controlled grazing. It also recommended stopping the flow of weeds into the lake.

In the past, the government has formulated many plans to develop this place but they have yet to be implemented. Besides chalking out new grazing sites, there has been talk about a treatment plant for non-biodegradable substances and about educating the locals and tourists about pollution.

If this place is declared "Wetland of Nation" and its protection and maintenance is placed under a central government body, the situation might improve, for funds will be made available, says a government official. But this alone will not help, since there is need to involve the locals and the tourists to preserve the scenic beauty of Khajjiar, a gift of nature to the world.