By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 20 Dec: Human-wildlife conflict remains a major concern in Uttarakhand, with a significant increase in such conflicts during the current year. Many lives were lost and numerous people were injured due to these conflicts. The Forest Department claims to have made continuous efforts to mitigate these incidents and provide relief to the affected individuals. However, despite these efforts, 2024 will be remembered as a year marked by a record number of human-wildlife conflicts in the state’s history.
In the past, incidents of human-wildlife conflict were mostly confined to forests. But they have now spread to urban areas as well. Recent incidents in hill districts and even in residential colonies in the plains are a grim reminder of this growing problem. Experts have pointed out several reasons for the increase in conflict, and the Forest Department views public awareness as the primary solution.
Data sourced from the Forest Department reveals that 406 incidents occurred in Uttarakhand in 2024, resulting in 342 injuries and 64 deaths. The highest number of deaths, 11 each, occurred in the months of July and August, while the highest number of injuries, 70, was recorded in September. On an average, more than one incident was reported daily, with leopards being the most common culprits in hill districts.
Monthly breakdown of human-wildlife conflict in 2024 shows that in January 2024, 6 deaths and 16 injuries were reported; in February, 6 deaths and 34 injuries were reported. In March, 1 death and 16 injuries were reported; in April, 5 deaths and 17 injuries were reported. May witnessed 7 deaths and 25 injuries while June saw 11 deaths and 25 injuries. In July 11 deaths and 51 injuries were reported; in August, again 11 deaths were reported with 48 injuries. In September 7 deaths and 70 injuries were reported while in October 5 deaths and 26 injuries were reported. November witnessed 1 death and 9 injuries even as December data is yet to be compiled.
One pertinent point to remember is that over the past 24 years, the death toll due to human-wildlife conflict in Uttarakhand has doubled annually, from an average of 30 deaths per year in 2000 to about 64 in 2024. Injuries have increased fourfold, from 55-60 to 250-300 annually. In view of the incidents that occurred this year so far, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) had to order culling of 4 leopards, caging of 79 leopards, and capture of 7 tigers in 2024.
The Forest Department claims that it has significantly increased public awareness programmes over the past year to prevent conflicts. These programmes are being conducted in both forest and urban areas. Additionally, technology such as camera traps, drones, and B-high fencing is being used to monitor and prevent wildlife from entering urban areas. Wildlife counts are also being used to determine appropriate measures it was further claimed.
To provide relief to those affected, the Wildlife Conflict Prevention Fund has been established, with a state government budget allocation. The relief amount for affected individuals has since been increased from Rs 4 lakhs to 6 lakhs in case of death. A corpus fund of an amount of Rs 2 crores has been also created in addition to including wasps in the human-wildlife conflict category.
Senior forest officials have been instructed by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to visit the field regarding incidents and communicate directly with the families of those killed or injured. A new wing dedicated to human-wildlife conflict has also been established, and the toll-free number has been made more active and integrated with digital systems for faster information dissemination.
These steps however are proving to be inadequate in curbing the incidents of human-wildlife conflict which continue to surge on an annual basis. Experts attribute this rise to various ecological and human factors, while the Forest Department underscores the importance of public awareness as a key strategy in combating the issue. Independent experts also claim that unreported large-scale deforestation deep inside the forests, and poaching of prey such as deer, Kakar, etc., continues forcing the wild animals to venture out of the forests for food and water.
The experts also stress that a long-term strategy is essential. The state’s increasing human footprint into wildlife habitats necessitates a balanced approach to coexistence, emphasising habitat restoration, stricter urban planning, and continued public participation.
The current situation regarding the human-wildlife underscores the urgent need for collective efforts to address this growing crisis.
