J&K government take steps to prevent man-animal conflicts

Srinagar, Jan 21 (UNI) In view of recent increase in incidents of man-animal conflicts in the Valley, the Jammu and Kashmir government has taken several measures for avoiding such conflicts, an official spokesman said today.

He said Forests and Environment Minister Qazi Mohammad Afzal convened an emergency meeting of senior officials of the Wildlife Department at Dachigam National Park here last evening to discuss measures taken for avoiding man-animal conflicts.

The recent incidents of straying of leopards and bears into human habitations also came up for discussions.

The Minister called for serious efforts to avoid such conflicts and ensure safety of both wild animals and human beings living in the fringes.

He stressed the need for close co-ordination among various departments such as the Forest, the Forest Protection Force, the District administration and police in this regard.

Mr Afzal also inaugurated a nature interpretation centre at Dachigam for mass awareness through audiovisual media.

UNI