Taking note of the rising cases of human-wildlife conflict in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced several key measures. These include installing solar fencing and sensor-based alert systems, setting up modern wildlife sterilisation (animal birth control) centres, and opening rehabilitation centres at the district level.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, Dhami said incidents of human-wildlife conflict have been reported from many parts of the state. He said that in areas where animals such as elephants, nilgai, bears, leopards, monkeys, and others damage crops, infrastructure, or pose a threat to human life, a phased and well-planned security system will be put in place. Under this plan, solar fencing and sensor-based alert systems will be introduced to reduce conflict through timely intervention.
Dhami said that to control the population of animals such as langurs, monkeys, wild boars, and bears, modern wildlife sterilisation centres will be set up under the Forest Department in every district. He added that rescue and rehabilitation centres for animals involved in human-wildlife conflict will also be established across the state. For this purpose, at least 10 nali of land in hilly forest areas and a minimum of one acre in plain forest areas will be earmarked.
Stressing the urgency of the measures, CM Dhami said all the proposed works would be taken up on a priority basis. He added that a detailed implementation plan for these schemes would be presented within two weeks. He also announced an additional allocation of ₹5 crore to the Forest Department for purchasing essential equipment such as nets, cages, tranquiliser guns, and other resources.
The Chief Minister further said that to prevent human-wildlife conflict more effectively, powers under relevant provisions of the Central Wildlife Protection Act would be decentralised. This would empower Forest Department officers at the ranger level to take quick action against dangerous wildlife. He said necessary rule changes would be made wherever required. Dhami also informed that he had recently discussed the issue with Union Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav.
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