Sunday, 02 October 2022 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that ex-gratia in deaths of people caused by wild animals will be increased to Rs five lakh while the seriously injured will be provided Rs one lakh assistance. The family of forest personnel who die while on duty will be provided Rs 15 lakh ex-gratia. In another important announcement, he said that the Shivalik elephant reserve will be re-established.
Speaking at the launch of wildlife week on Saturday, Dhami said that Corbett heritage trail will be established and eco tourism will be encouraged in sites associated with Jim Corbett. Dhami also launched the official website of Rajaji national park and two rapid response vehicles for Rajaji on the occasion.
He said that the Forest department with the help of Education department will raise awareness among school children on mitigation of human-wildlife conflict. Rapid response teams will be formed in 10 forest divisions vulnerable to human-wildlife conflict. Dhami informed that the Centre had granted permission for starting Garjia tourism zone in the buffer zone of Corbett tiger reserve and that it will be started soon. He directed the department officials to develop one naturally picturesque site in each district for tourism. Special focus should be laid to ensure that the natural form of such sites is not tampered with majorly. Dhami also referred to the significance of wild animals in religion and culture while stressing that their protection is a joint responsibility. He said that with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s motivation, various measures are being taken to strike a balance between economy and ecology.
Forest minister Subodh Uniyal said that the government’s priority is economic strength along with environmental protection. The local MLA Brijbhushan Gairola, principal chief conservator of forests Vinod Singhal, principal secretary RK Sudhanshu and Rajaji director Saket Badola were also present on the occasion.
