Major plan formulated in JK to handle man-animal conflicts

Srinagar, Aug 19 (UNI) With daily reports about wild animals killing and injuring civilians in Jammu and Kashmir, the state Forest Department has formulated a comprehensive plan of Rs 29.29 crore for handling of man-animal conflicts.

More than 150 people have lost their lives and about 1,500 wounded in man-animal conflicts in the state during the past ten years, official sources said, adding that about 30 people were killed and more than 150 wounded in attacks by leopards and bears.

The plan to handle the man-animal conflicts, included involving infrastructural strengthening, awareness campaign, better communication besides purchasing of helicopter at an estimated cost of Rs five crore for quick mobility of wildlife rescue teams, an official spokesman said.

The department has also purchased necessary equipments and facilities for trapping, relocating and rehabilitation of wild animals.

Compensation is being paid to the persons killed or injured in the man-animal conflicts, he added.

Research study on these conflicts in the state was held here under the chairmanship of Commissioner-Secretary Forest department.

He said the main objective of holding the workshop was to understand the causes of man-animal conflicts and the remedial measures to be taken to control them in future.

Main causes for surfacing of wild animals resulting in man-animal conflicts were revealed as decimation of forest cover and shrinkage of habitat due to expanding of human population, increased developmental activities, bringing more area under agriculture and horticulture in fringes areas, decline in natural prey base in forests, global warming and climatic changes affecting the ecology.

UNI