Govt. approves advisory for management of Human-Wildlife Conflict

The Standing Committee of National Board of Wildlife has approved the advisory for management of Human-Wildlife Conflict in the country. The advisory makes important prescriptions for the States and Union Territories for dealing with Human-Wildlife conflict situations and seeks expedited inter-departmental coordinated and effective actions. The advisory envisages empowering gram panchayats in dealing with the problematic wild animals as per the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Utilising add-on coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna for crop compensation against crop damage due to Human Wildlife Conflict and augmenting fodder and water sources within the forest areas are some key steps envisaged to reduce Human Wildlife Conflict and payment of a portion of ex-gratia as interim relief within 24 hours of the incident to the victim or family.

The advisory also envisages prescribing inter-departmental committees at local or state level, adoption of early warning systems, creation of barriers, dedicated circle wise Control Rooms with toll free hotline numbers which could be operated on 24X7 basis.Some of the other important approvals took place during the meeting are, inclusion of Caracal, a medium size wild cat found in some parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat, into the list of critically endangered species for taking up conservation efforts. Now, there are 22 wildlife species under recovery programme for critically endangered species.

It also recommended the proposal for Tinaighat-Castlerock-Caranzol Railway doubling of South Western Railways, Karnataka with certain mitigation measures as advised by the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. The National Board for Wildlife is constituted by the Central Government under Section 5 A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.