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Lucknow, 24 August (HS). Workshops/training are also being organized to enable the forest department employees posted in hotspots and important habitats to deal with rescue operations, wildlife protection and habitat management and incidents of human-wildlife conflict. The above was said by the State Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena, during a press conference held in the Parijat Auditorium of Aranya Bhawan located at the Forest Department Headquarters.
Dr Saxena said that one of the reasons for human-wildlife conflict is that the human population is increasing and it is moving towards the forest and the animal population is also increasing and it is running out of the forest. Keeping all the above circumstances in mind, the department is working on various types of plans to reduce this conflict so that along with humans, wildlife can also be protected.
The Forest Minister explained in detail the efforts being made by the Forest Department to reduce human-wildlife conflict and the future strategy. Human-wildlife conflict occurs when encounters between humans and wildlife lead to negative consequences. This results in loss of property, livelihood and sometimes even life. Both humans and wildlife are immediately affected as a result of these encounters. As human population and demand for space are increasing, interaction between people and wildlife and competition for resources is increasing. This leads to an increase in human-wildlife conflict. Incidents of human-wildlife conflict due to tiger, leopard and wolf are coming to light in rural areas adjacent to forest areas in the state. Taking these incidents very seriously, the department is taking immediate appropriate action.
Dr Saxena informed that prompt action is being ensured to provide financial assistance/compensation to the family of the person affected by wildlife attack incidents as per rules. From January 2024 till now, ex-gratia financial assistance amount of Rs 156.00 lakh has been sanctioned to the dependents of the persons killed/injured by violent wildlife and tiger and leopard.
