Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, in a review meeting of the Forest Department at the Secretariat, told officials to ensure strong action at both the departmental and administrative levels to eradicate human-wildlife conflict.
The Chief Minister said Forest Department teams must arrive at any incident spot within 30 minutes after receiving the information. He added that this responsibility should be clearly placed on the DFOs and Rangers concerned. He also directed that immediate financial help be given to affected people.
Due to rising cases of human-wildlife conflict in Pauri district, Dhami ordered the immediate removal of the Pauri DFO from his post.
He also asked officials to arrange escort services for schoolchildren in areas where wildlife threats are high. These escorts must be provided jointly by the Forest Department and the district administration.
He said that when the only earning member of a family dies because of a wildlife attack, the Forest Department must prepare a policy within two weeks. This policy should support the family’s livelihood and protect them from financial distress.
He added that all required equipment to reduce such conflicts in the districts should be supplied as soon as possible.
Dhami stressed that saving human lives from wildlife attacks is the highest priority. He asked officials to focus on new technologies and develop permanent solutions to stop wild animals from entering residential areas.
He said sensitive zones must be monitored continuously with surveillance cameras. Forest staff should stay alert and improve communication with local villagers.
He also instructed that wild bushes around homes be cleared through special drives, and women and children should be made aware of wildlife movement nearby.
Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal attended the meeting, along with Additional Chief Secretary RK Sudhanshu, Secretaries Shailesh Bagoli, Vinay Shankar Pandey and C Ravishankar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Ranjan Mishra, and Additional Secretary Himanshu Khurana.
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