Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced that modern wildlife sterilization centers will be established in every district to control the population of wild animals such as langurs, monkeys, pigs, and bears. Rescue and rehabilitation centers for wild animals involved in human-wildlife conflict will also be opened in all districts of the state. For this purpose, a minimum of 10 nali (approximately 0.5 acres) of land will be reserved in the hilly forest areas and a minimum of one acre in the plains forest areas.
Speaking to reporters, CM Dhami said that cases of human-wildlife conflict are being reported in the state. In areas where wild animals are causing damage to agriculture, horticultural crops, and human lives, a security system will be developed in a phased manner using solar fencing and sensor-based alert systems. Effective measures will also be taken to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
He said that a strategy for implementing the relevant schemes will be presented within two weeks. An additional fund of five crore rupees will be allocated to the Forest Department for the availability of resources such as nets, cages, and tranquilizer guns.
Powers to be given to Ranger-level officers
The CM said that to effectively prevent human-wildlife conflict, the powers to declare violent animals as prohibited under the relevant provisions of the Central Wildlife Act will be decentralized, empowering Forest Department officers at the Ranger level. Necessary amendments will be made to the rules for this purpose. The Chief Minister also mentioned that he had recently discussed this matter with the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav.
