Amid rising incidents of wild animals such as leopards and bisons straying into human settlements, the Forest Department has raised alarm over the growing threat to public safety and crop damage. The situation has sparked concern across affected areas, prompting calls for immediate and effective intervention.
In response, Conservator of Forests Naveen Kumar has formally written to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, requesting assistance in formulating a comprehensive action plan to address the issue. The plan will involve a detailed study of animal movement patterns and behavior, risk assessments, and financial provisions to support mitigation strategies.
“We’re witnessing a steady rise in human-wildlife conflict, and the safety of residents as well as wildlife is at stake,” said Kumar. The department is hopeful that the expertise of WII will help devise sustainable solutions to minimize wildlife movement outside protected sanctuaries.
The proposed plan may include long-term strategies such as habitat improvement within sanctuaries, better fencing, early warning systems, and community awareness programs.