Dehradun: In a major move to protect citizens and their livelihoods, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced a comprehensive plan to control the growing human-wildlife conflict across the state. The initiative will include sterilization of bears, wild boars, monkeys, and langurs, along with the deployment of sensor-based alert systems and solar fencing in vulnerable areas.
Statewide Wildlife Sterilization Centers
The government plans to establish modern wildlife sterilization centers in all districts of Uttarakhand to regulate the rising populations of problem animals. Each district will also have dedicated rehabilitation centers for rescued wildlife, ensuring both conservation and public safety. CM Dhami emphasized that phased implementation of these measures will target areas where leopards, bears, wild boars, nilgais, langurs, and monkeys have caused damage to crops, property, or human life.
Solar Fencing and Advanced Alert Systems
To provide immediate protection to communities living near forests, the state will install solar fencing and sensor-based alert systems in critical zones. These technologies are expected to prevent wildlife from entering residential areas and farmlands, reducing crop damage and incidents of human injury.
Land Allocation for Wildlife Centers
For the establishment of wildlife rescue and sterilization centers, the government will reserve a minimum of 10 nalas (forest plots) in hilly districts and at least one acre of land in plain areas. CM Dhami announced that the Forest Department will receive ₹5 crore within two weeks for procuring equipment such as traps, cages, and tranquilization guns.
Strengthening Ranger-Level Authority
To tackle violent wildlife incidents efficiently, CM Dhami stated that powers under the Wildlife Protection Act will be decentralized to empower ranger-level officers. Necessary amendments to the state’s rules and regulations will enable faster and more localized responses to human-wildlife conflicts. The CM also mentioned that he recently discussed this plan with Union Minister for Environment and Forests, Bhupender Yadav, to ensure central support and compliance.
Aimed at Safer Communities and Wildlife Conservation
With this multi-pronged initiative, the Uttarakhand government aims to strike a balance between wildlife conservation and human safety, reducing conflicts while promoting sustainable coexistence in forest-adjacent communities.
