Uttarakhand CM directs action on rising human-wildlife conflict

At the 22nd meeting of the Uttarakhand State Wildlife Board under the chairmanship of chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held on Tuesday at the state secretariat in Dehradun, CM Dhami Expressed concern over the increasing incidents of human-wildlife conflict and directed the officials to take effective steps to control them.

CM Dhami said that vigilance should be increased in areas affected by bears, leopards, tigers, and elephants, and that a joint monitoring system should be ensured by the forest department and the district administration.

He said that regular patrolling, digital surveillance, and early warning systems would be fully activated in sensitive areas. He further directed that solar fencing, bio-fencing, honeybee fencing, watchtowers, and other protective measures be installed in affected villages. He also directed that awareness camps be organized to educate villagers about vigilance and safety, and that rapid response teams be continuously activated.


CM Dhami said that the conservation of all wildlife corridors in the state, including elephant and tiger corridors, should be given top priority. The system of constructing animal passes, underpasses, and overpasses on wildlife routes should be implemented more effectively. He directed that if current wildlife protection rules or provisions require amendments, the concerned departments should conduct the necessary review and submit the amendment proposals to the government promptly.

At the meeting, CM Dhami directed that the Wildlife Coordination Committee, chaired by the District Magistrates, be kept active at the district level, and that hot spot mapping of sensitive districts, blocks, and villages be completed immediately. He directed that security arrangements be strengthened around schools, Anganwadis, water sources, and walking paths. He further said that solid waste management should be strictly enforced in rural areas so that bears and other wildlife are not attracted to populated areas.

CM Dhami said that work should be done in the state's wildlife sanctuaries and conservation reserves to further strengthen the eco-tourism system, besides reserve forests. Veterinarians should also be provided in the Territorial Forest Division to reduce human-wildlife conflict and ensure public safety.