Is the Government Committed to Managing Human-Wildlife Conflicts?
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Synopsis
The Central government is taking significant steps to address human-wildlife conflicts, providing financial and capacity-building support to State Forest Departments. With guidelines and compensation measures in place, the efforts aim to protect both wildlife and human interests while fostering a harmonious coexistence.
Key Takeaways
- Government Commitment: The Central government is dedicated to managing human-wildlife conflicts.
- Financial Support: Financial assistance is available for State Forest Departments.
- Guidelines Issued: Specific guidelines for various wildlife species have been established.
- Support for Victims: Ex gratia payments are made for losses due to wildlife conflicts.
- Public Awareness: Campaigns are conducted to inform the public about managing these conflicts.
New Delhi, July 21 (NationPress) The Central government is dedicated to offering capacity-building support to officers and personnel of State Forest Departments through various institutions to effectively manage and alleviate human-wildlife conflicts. Additionally, financial assistance is also provided, as reported in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh stated in a written reply that the Ministry does not compile data on human-wildlife conflict occurrences nationwide; however, it has released guidelines for management planning in protected areas and other landscape components.
“On March 21, 2023, the Ministry issued species-specific guidelines to address human-wildlife conflict situations, focusing on species such as elephants, gaurs, leopards, snakes, crocodiles, rhesus macaques, wild pigs, bears, blue bulls, and blackbucks,” he affirmed, emphasizing the Central government's commitment to mitigating these conflicts.
The Minister noted that the Central government offers financial aid to State/Union Territory governments under centrally-sponsored schemes like ‘Development of Wildlife Habitats’ and ‘Project Tiger and Elephant’ for managing wildlife and its habitats.
Support also encompasses a variety of initiatives, including compensation for losses due to wild animals and the construction of physical barriers such as barbed wire fences, solar-powered electric fences, bio-fencing with cacti, and boundary walls to prevent wild animals from entering agricultural fields. Moreover, ex gratia relief for victims of human-wildlife conflicts is also provided, he added.
In response to inquiries regarding relief payments for victims of wildlife encounters, he explained that States/Union Territories offer ex gratia payments for livestock, crop, and human life losses, including injuries from human-wildlife conflicts, according to varying norms across states.
The Ministry also issued guidelines to States and UTs on June 3, 2022, regarding the management of human-wildlife conflicts, including crop damage. These guidelines recommend that States/UTs utilize the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY).
MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh further mentioned that periodic awareness campaigns are conducted by respective state governments/Union Territory administrations to sensitize, guide, and inform the public on managing human-wildlife conflicts through various media channels.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the Central government's proactive stance in addressing human-wildlife conflicts. Balancing the needs of wildlife preservation with human safety is a complex challenge, but through guidelines and financial support, there is hope for a more harmonious coexistence between humans and the natural world.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What measures is the government taking to manage human-wildlife conflicts?
The government is providing capacity-building support and financial assistance to State Forest Departments, along with guidelines for managing wildlife encounters.
Are there specific guidelines for certain wildlife species?
Yes, species-specific guidelines have been issued for managing conflicts involving elephants, leopards, and other wildlife.
How does the government support victims of wildlife conflicts?
The government offers ex gratia payments for losses incurred due to wildlife conflicts, including livestock and crop damage.
What financial support is available for wildlife habitat management?
Financial assistance is provided under schemes like ‘Development of Wildlife Habitats’ and ‘Project Tiger and Elephant’.
How are public awareness campaigns conducted?
State governments and UT administrations run campaigns to educate the public about human-wildlife conflicts through various media.
