Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced several major measures to strengthen wildlife conservation, prevent human-wildlife conflicts and promote sustainable eco-tourism in the state.
The decisions were taken during the 23rd meeting of the Uttarakhand State Wildlife Board chaired by the Chief Minister at the Secretariat in Dehradun. The meeting focused on wildlife protection, biodiversity conservation, forest resource management, eco-tourism development and balancing infrastructure growth with environmental protection.
A key decision taken during the meeting was the formation of a Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) for Corbett Tiger Reserve and Rajaji Tiger Reserve to enhance tiger protection and strengthen wildlife security.
Special Tiger Protection Force to Be Formed for Corbett and Rajaji Tiger Reserves
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami directed officials to establish a dedicated Special Tiger Protection Force for Corbett and Rajaji Tiger Reserves.
The force will help improve:
- Tiger protection measures.
- Prevention of wildlife crimes.
- Monitoring of sensitive forest areas.
- Scientific wildlife management.
- Security of protected habitats.
The Chief Minister said wildlife conservation is among the top priorities of the state government and instructed officials to prepare effective strategies for protecting wildlife while reducing conflicts between humans and animals.
Read also: CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Launches ₹235 Crore Haridwar Ganga Corridor Projects Ahead of Kumbh Mela 2027
Government Focuses on Reducing Human-Wildlife Conflict
During the meeting, CM Dhami directed officials to take concrete steps to minimise human-wildlife conflicts across Uttarakhand.
He instructed authorities to:
- Strengthen wildlife corridors.
- Use modern technology for monitoring.
- Improve public participation in conservation efforts.
- Ensure quick response during wildlife emergencies.
- Provide timely assistance to affected families.
The Chief Minister said that development projects and environmental conservation must move forward together while maintaining a balance between growth and ecological protection.
AI, Camera Traps and Drones to Strengthen Wildlife Monitoring
The Uttarakhand government will expand the use of advanced technology for wildlife protection.
CM Dhami directed officials to strengthen monitoring systems through:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based surveillance.
- Camera traps.
- Drone technology.
- Scientific wildlife management systems.
- Modern monitoring equipment in sensitive forest areas.
He also stressed the development of natural water sources and grasslands for wildlife, along with improved forest fire management.
Quick Response Teams to Be Strengthened for Emergency Situations
To ensure faster action during human-wildlife conflict incidents, the government has decided to make Quick Response Teams (QRTs) more effective.
The teams will be equipped with:
- Snake rescue kits.
- Solar lights.
- Surveillance equipment.
- Necessary field resources.
The government aims to ensure that forest teams reach affected areas quickly and protect both people and wildlife.
Special QRT deployment has also been planned during the upcoming Haridwar Kumbh to prevent possible human-wildlife conflict incidents.
Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Wildlife Tourism to Get Boost
The state government will promote wildlife-based tourism while ensuring environmental sustainability.
CM Dhami directed officials to encourage:
- Eco-friendly safari vehicles.
- Sustainable tourism practices.
- Conservation-based tourism models.
- Local community participation in wildlife tourism.
He said wildlife conservation and local livelihoods should develop together, and eco-tourism can create new employment opportunities for communities living near forest areas.
Wildlife Attack Victims to Receive Timely Compensation
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that families affected by wildlife attacks receive compensation according to government norms within the prescribed timeline.
He also announced that citizens who show exceptional courage and help save lives during human-wildlife conflict situations should be honoured at the state level.
The initiative aims to encourage public participation and create awareness about wildlife safety.
Development Projects in Protected Areas Get Conditional Approval
The Wildlife Board also reviewed several development proposals related to protected forest areas.
Projects including:
- Gas pipeline in the Rajaji National Park area.
- Road infrastructure in other protected areas.
- ITBP infrastructure projects.
- Optical fibre cable networks.
were allowed to be forwarded to the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife subject to necessary environmental conditions.
The government clarified that development activities will continue with strict compliance with wildlife conservation guidelines.
Focus on Wildlife Corridors and Natural Habitats
CM Dhami directed officials to strengthen wildlife corridors and protect natural habitats across Uttarakhand.
He emphasised:
- Conservation of wildlife movement corridors.
- Development of natural water sources.
- Improvement of grasslands.
- Expansion of technology-based monitoring.
- Protection of biodiversity.
The Chief Minister said Uttarakhand is among India’s leading states in terms of biodiversity and wildlife resources, and conservation efforts should involve local communities along with modern technology.
Special Measures Discussed for Tiger Conservation and Wildlife Crime Control
The meeting also discussed several important initiatives, including:
- Formation of Tiger Protection Force for Corbett and Rajaji Tiger Reserves.
- Promotion of environment-friendly safari vehicles.
- Special incentives for field staff working in protected areas.
- Strengthening investigation systems for wildlife crimes.
Officials were instructed to improve coordination between conservation agencies and enforcement teams.
Uttarakhand Wildlife Board Meeting: Key Officials Present
The meeting was attended by several senior officials and representatives, including:
- Uttarakhand Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal
- MLA Diwan Singh Bisht
- Vice Chairman, Uttarakhand Tribal Advisory Council Geetaram Gaur
- Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan
- Principal Secretary R.K. Sudhanshu
- Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) Kapil Lal
- ADG A.P. Anshuman
- Secretary C. Ravishankar
- Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Nina Grewal
- Senior officials of the Forest Department
Uttarakhand Strengthens Wildlife Conservation Strategy
The decisions taken during the 23rd Uttarakhand State Wildlife Board meeting are expected to strengthen wildlife protection and environmental conservation in the state.
With measures such as a Special Tiger Protection Force, AI-based monitoring, stronger Quick Response Teams, eco-tourism promotion and improved wildlife management, Uttarakhand aims to create a balance between development, environmental protection and community welfare.
Read also: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Directs Officials to Resolve Public Grievances Without Delay
