Human–wildlife conflict & forest issues dominate Question Hour in Assembly
By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Gairsain, 10 Mar: Issues related to the Forest Department figured prominently during Question Hour on the second day of the Budget Session of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly held at the Assembly building in Bhararisain in the summer capital, Gairsain, where members from both the Treasury Benches and the Opposition raised a series of pointed questions concerning human–wildlife conflict, compensation to victims, ropeway projects and forest laws. In fact, Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal had to face some embarrassing and uneasy moments while responding to the questions and supplementary questions raised by the members including by members from the ruling party, including Munna Singh Chauhan and Vinod Chamoli.
As proceedings began during Question Hour, the House witnessed a heated discussion on a range of matters particularly concerning the Forest Department. The questions were directed at Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal with the subjects raised including human–wildlife conflict, forest clearances, crop damage caused by wild animals and the progress of ropeway projects in the state.
The issue of increasing incidents of human–wildlife conflict in the state was first raised by BJP MLA from Doiwala, Brij Bhushan Gairola, who questioned the minister regarding the number of people affected by attacks from wild animals in Uttarakhand and asked what steps the government was taking to ensure the safety of residents in vulnerable areas. He also sought information regarding the compensation being provided to victims and raised concerns about delays in the distribution of such compensation.
Responding to the questions, Subodh Uniyal informed the House that between the year 2000 and January 31, 2026, a total of 1,296 people had lost their lives in incidents of human–wildlife conflict in the state, while 6,624 persons had been injured. The minister further stated that the government had increased the amount of compensation in such cases and that the families of those killed are now being provided financial assistance of up to Rs 10 lakh. However, legislators belonging to the Congress criticised the government over delays in the disbursement of compensation and sought greater accountability in the process.
During the discussion, MLA from Yamunotri Sanjay Dobhal raised questions regarding the Yamunotri–Kharsali ropeway project and sought clarification from the government regarding its progress. Responding to the query, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister informed the House that the tender for the project had been awarded to a new company and that work on the ropeway would be taken forward shortly.
BJP MLA Khajan Das also raised questions concerning forest laws and sought clarification from the government on whether forest laws were implemented differently in various states of the country. While raising the matter, he referred to the example of Himachal Pradesh, prompting light-hearted remarks and reactions from Congress legislators in the House.
Khajan Das further questioned why several road projects in Uttarakhand remained stalled for years due to delays in obtaining forest clearances. In reply, Subodh Uniyal stated that the process of granting forest clearances had been expedited in recent times. He informed the House that, according to figures provided by the government, approvals had been granted in 713 cases during the past year relating to six departments, including the Public Works Department, drinking water and electricity.
The issue of crop damage caused by wild animals in the hill districts was also raised strongly during the proceedings. Legislators including Khajan Das, Mahesh Jeena and Vinod Kandari demanded concrete action from the government and pointed out that crops were being destroyed by wild animals in several areas, thereby adversely affecting the livelihood of farmers and rural residents.
The House also witnessed discussion on the Forest Conservation Act and the rights and entitlements of local communities related to forests. During the debate, BJP MLA Munna Singh Chauhan raised a number of pointed questions before the government. As some members felt that the replies given by the minister were not fully satisfactory, Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan intervened and advised the Forest Minister that these were pressing issues concerning the state and that clear and serious answers should be provided to the House.
Significantly, it was not only Opposition members who raised questions during the discussion, several senior legislators from the ruling party, including Khajan Das, Vinod Chamoli and Munna Singh Chauhan, were also seen seeking detailed explanations from the government on different matters relating to the Forest Department. Amid a barrage of questions from members across the political spectrum, Subodh Uniyal had to repeatedly provide clarifications, resulting in a particularly intense and animated Question Hour.
The discussion also extended to the progress of ropeway projects being developed to connect major pilgrimage destinations in the state. Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj informed the House on Tuesday that the process of linking several important shrines through ropeway projects was progressing steadily. He stated that the department had already commenced operations of a ropeway from Kaddukhal to Surkanda Devi Temple under the Public–Private Partnership (PPP) mode.
In addition, the Thuligad–Purnagiri ropeway project in Champawat district is presently under construction under the PPP model. The government is also developing a ropeway project from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri Temple in Uttarkashi district in PPP mode. At the same time, the process for construction of ropeways from Gaurikund to Kedarnath and from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib is also moving forward as part of the state government’s broader initiative to improve connectivity to important pilgrimage centres and promote tourism in Uttarakhand.
One of the questions focused on road connectivity in hilly districts, where members expressed concern about delays in widening key routes. PWD Minister Satpal Maharaj replied that tenders had already been floated and work would commence before the monsoon season.
Another starred question dealt with shortage of teachers in government schools. Education Minister Dhan Singh Rawat acknowledged the gap and informed the House that recruitment of over 1,200 teachers was in the final stages, with postings expected by June.
On the issue of health facilities in rural areas, Health Minister Dhan Singh Rawat assured members that mobile medical units were being expanded to cover remote villages. He added that new primary health centres were sanctioned in Tehri and Pithoragarh districts.
Members also raised concerns about drinking water schemes, particularly in drought-prone blocks. Water Resources Minister Maharaj responded that overhead tanks and pipelines were being repaired under the Jal Jeevan Mission, and additional funds had been requested from the Centre.
