PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami instructure officials to prepare a concrete work plan to encourage wildlife based tourism in order to check human-wildlife conflict in the State. Chairing the 23rd meeting of the State wildlife board here on Friday, Dhami directed officials to expedite works related to mitigating human-wildlife cases, conservation of wildlife corridors and proposals related to development projects in the State. All projects should be taken forward while maintaining a balance between development and the environment. Wildlife conservation is among the top priorities of the State government, he said, while adding that modern technology can be used to make public participation more effective in tackling human-wildlife conflict. “The State government is committed to establishing better coordination among wildlife conservation, biodiversity enrichment and the livelihood of locals. Wildlife-based tourism should be encouraged for this purpose. Those who display courage in saving others during human-wildlife conflict situations should be felicitated at the State level,” Dhami said. The CM further said that compensation as per the rules should be provided to those injured in human-wildlife conflict and to the next-of-kin of those killed in such situations. Wildlife related conditions should be strictly enforced in all the approved projects, he said. Officials informed that along with formation of quick response teams, setting up of camera traps, use of drones, snake rescue teams, solar lights and other efforts are being undertaken to tackle human-wildlife conflict. The board also approved forwarding proposals to the National Board for Wildlife for laying gas pipeline in Rajaji national park and roads in other national parks along with other public welfare works in protected areas with conditions applied. The CM said that conservation of wildlife corridors, setting up camera traps, artificial intelligence based monitoring and scientific management should be strengthened. The use of modern techniques should be extended for monitoring and development of natural water sources used by wildlife, grazing lands, forest fires and sensitive areas. Formation of tiger protection force for Corbett and Rajaji tiger reserves, encouraging environment conducive safari vehicles, special incentive for field staff in protected areas and necessary arrangements for effective investigation of wildlife crimes were also discussed in the meeting. Forest minister Subodh Uniyal, chief secretary Anand Bardhan and others were also present in the meeting.
About The Author
