Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 24 Jul: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today directed the officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan to boost wildlife-based tourism in Uttarakhand and also to ensure effective measures to curb human-wildlife conflict. He also announced that members of the public displaying exceptional courage in saving others during incidents of human-wildlife conflict would be honoured with state-level awards.
Chairing the 23rd meeting of the Uttarakhand State Wildlife Board and the meeting of the State-Level Tiger Steering Committee at the Secretariat here today, Dhami directed the officials to expedite the proposals relating to the prevention of human-wildlife conflict and conservation of wildlife corridors and other related development projects. He emphasised that all the projects should move forward while maintaining a proper balance between development and environmental conservation.
The CM noted that wildlife conservation remains one of the State Government’s highest priorities and stressed that modern technology, coupled with greater public participation, should be effectively utilised to minimise incidents of human-wildlife conflict. He reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving better coordination between wildlife conservation, biodiversity enhancement and the livelihoods of local communities by promoting wildlife-based tourism.
Dhami also directed the officials to ensure that compensation for those killed or injured in wildlife attacks, as well as their families, is disbursed within the stipulated timeframe in accordance with the prescribed norms. He further instructed that all the approved projects must strictly comply with wildlife conservation conditions.
During the meeting, the progress made in wildlife conservation across the state was reviewed by the Board. The Officials informed the Board that wildlife management plans related to the diversion of forest land and various development proposals are being approved in accordance with established procedures. To reduce human-wildlife conflict, Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been constituted, while camera traps, drones, snake rescue kits and solar lights are being deployed. They also claimed that affected areas are also being provided with prompt relief measures, strengthened surveillance systems and necessary resources for frontline forest personnel.
The Board also considered proposals relating to development projects in protected areas. It approved forwarding, subject to stipulated conditions, proposals for a gas pipeline through the Rajaji National Park area and other public utility projects, including roads, Indo-Tibetan Border Police infrastructure and optical fibre cable networks in national parks, to the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife for further consideration.
Addressing a meeting of the State-Level Tiger Steering Committee held subsequently, Dhami said Uttarakhand is one of the country’s leading states in terms of biodiversity and wildlife wealth. He emphasised that tiger conservation, active participation of local communities, the use of modern technology and the protection of natural wildlife habitats should remain the highest priorities. He directed officials to formulate an effective strategy to minimise human-wildlife conflict while ensuring better coordination between conservation efforts and developmental activities.
The CM directed the officials to strengthen the conservation of wildlife corridors through wider use of camera traps, Artificial Intelligence-based surveillance and scientific management practices. He directed that natural water sources and grazing grounds for wildlife be developed further, forest fire management be strengthened and technology-driven surveillance systems expanded in ecologically sensitive areas. He also instructed that QRTs be deployed during the Haridwar Kumbh to prevent incidents of human-wildlife conflict.
The meeting also discussed the constitution of Tiger Protection Forces for Corbett and Rajaji Tiger Reserves, promotion of environment-friendly safari vehicles, special incentives for field staff working in protected areas and strengthening mechanisms for effective investigation of wildlife-related crimes.
Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal also addressed the meeting. Those present on this occasion included MLA Diwan Singh Bisht, Vice-Chairman of the Uttarakhand Tribal Advisory Council Geetaram Gaud, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu, Head of Forest Force (PCCF and HoFF) Kapil Lall, ADG AP Anshuman, Secretary C Ravishankar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Neena Grewal and other senior officers of the forest department.
