Action underway to tackle human-wildlife conflict, enhance habitat and economy: Uniyal
Tuesday, 08 OCTOBER 2024 | PARITOSH KIMOTHI | DEHRADUN
Forest and Technical Education minister Subodh Uniyal has directed the Forest department to undertake various measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, enhance wildlife habitat and boost the income of villagers connected with Van Panchayats. Talking to The Pioneer, the minister said that the Forest department has been directed to prepare proposals to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and augment the income of villagers through cultivation of herbs on Van Panchayat lands so that they become directly involved and earn from such natural resources, which will also encourage them to look after the forests.
With human-wildlife conflict involving leopards, tigers and elephants showing no signs of decreasing in the State, the minister said that the wildlife cannot be illogically blamed for this situation. “The presence of trees and fruits along with grasses and herbs which the herbivores consumed decreased in the forests so these animals including deer and wild boars moved closer to human habitations in search of food. The big cats which prey upon these animals also came closer to human habitations. This has exacerbated the human-wildlife conflict situation. I have directed the Forest department to study the flora consumed by various wildlife and prepare a proposal for plantation of such species in the forests so that the prey base and the big cats tend to remain in the forest areas. The lack of public awareness is also a major issue. We have identified villages vulnerable to human-wildlife conflict and have sent streetlights to be installed in the fringe areas to deter wildlife from entering human inhabitations. We are also providing mechanical grasscutters to such villages so that the locals also clear the grass and shrubs bordering their villages, as such foliage also encourages the predators’ presence. The department has also been directed to study the carrying capacity of the protected areas when it comes to the specific wild animals involved in human-wildlife conflict, and then prepare a proposal in order to address the situation. We have also issued an advisory to the locals in vulnerable areas to observe basic precautions while venturing outdoors especially after sunset while also facilitating measures like streetlights to make their surroundings safer,” the minister said.
Uniyal said that the policies implemented in the past disconnected the locals from economic activities dependent on forests. To address this situation, the government is planning to make amendments in the Van Panchayat Act to enable those living in such areas to use Van Panchayat lands for cultivation of herbs. “The proposal for this purpose was prepared earlier and also approved by the cabinet. However, various gaps were later found in the proposal and I have directed the department to make necessary corrections. The corrected proposal will be presented to the cabinet. Enabling residents of Van Panchayat areas to cultivate herbs and earn from it will strengthen their connection and involvement in forest areas. This is one of the major aspects we must focus on to prevent both forest fires and human-wildlife conflict while also enhancing the local economy and environmental protection. We have planned a project worth Rs 628 crore which also involves setting up processing plants so that we can ensure value addition of the herbs cultivated in selected Van Panchayat areas,” Uniyal said.
Regarding forest fires, the minister said that for the first time, deliberately setting up forest fires was treated as a cognisable offence in the State. The government is also working on empowering forest fire management committees with provision of Rs 30,000 to each for purchasing necessary equipment and other tasks. The department is also preparing rainwater harvesting tanks in areas vulnerable to forest fires. This will increase the moisture content in the soil and ensure availability of water in case of forest fires. Such tanks will also help ensure the availability of green grass for fodder during the summers, he said.
