Stresses on focused approach to resolve human-wildlife conflict
Saturday, 05 AUGUST 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the long pending formation of the tiger protection force should be done soon. The tiger protection should be formed and youth should be linked to it. He also said that a focused approach is needed to tackle the human conflict with monkeys and wild boar conflict. He said this while chairing the 19th meeting of the State wildlife board here on Friday. He also launched the Uttarakhand wildlife helpline on the occasion.
Dhami said that people living in areas adjoining forests play a crucial role in wildlife protection. Considering this, public awareness should be maximised and wildlife rescue and rapid action force training should also be imparted to the locals from time to time. Stating that a focused approach is needed to tackle the human conflict with monkeys and wild boars, he directed that the target for monkey sterilisation should be doubled and a practical solution to the problem should be presented. The CM said that the distribution of human-wildlife conflict relief amount should be ensured within 15 days. The proposal to increase the ex-gratia from Rs four lakh to Rs six lakh in case of a person killed in human-wildlife conflict should be presented in the cabinet as early as possible, he said. The CM also stressed on steps to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. He directed that solar lights should be installed in villages near forests, focus should be laid on public awareness and forest personnel should be appointed in adequate numbers. Areas where human-wildlife conflict is more should be identified so that the people can be forewarned. He said that work should be undertaken on bio fencing to protect agricultural crops from wild animals. Eco tourism, wildlife tourism and biofencing should be made part of the regular agenda in the board’s meeting, he stressed. Dhami told officials to work in a time-bound manner to develop Chaurasi Kutia into an international tourist destination. Responsibility of the officials will be fixed for delay in this work, he added.
Forest minister Subodh Uniyal, MLAs Renu Bisht, Ram Singh Kaida, chief secretary SS Sandhu, principal chief conservator of forests Anup Malik, director general of police Ashok Kumar and others were present in the meeting.
