Following deliberations with representatives of wildlife NGOs, the forest department is mulling over a leopard conservation plan with broad efforts to mitigate the alarming rate of leopard deaths in Uttarakhand. Though wildlife activists have welcomed this stating that executing even half of the proposals would have a concrete effect, they are also skeptical at the same time about the seriousness of the department to execute these measures.
About 50 leopard deaths have been reported in Uttarakhand this year and include the seizure of 15 leopard pelts. With Uttarakhand recording the highest number of leopard deaths among all Indian States this year, the State chief wildlife warden SS Sharma chaired a meet with forest officials and wildlife NGO representatives.
Sharma said, “We will make a State action plan for leopard conservation. The anti-poaching cell will be strengthened and its units established at Joshimath in Garhwal and Dharchula in Kumaon to tackle poaching and smuggling through these border areas. We will focus on raising public awareness and ensuring that forest staff reaches the site without delay following any attacks. Steps will also be taken to award compensation to victims of human-leopard conflict without delay,” added Sharma.
Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) Uttarakhand incharge Rajendra Agrawal said that the department has agreed to utilise Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds for strengthening the anti-poaching cell. leads given by accused wildlife criminals will be followed efficiently and court cases will be followed up to ensure conviction.
Public awareness will be raised in rural remote regions and water holes will be built at high altitude areas apart from which forest staff will periodically undertake combing of villages on the periphery of forests as leopards are often killed in such areas after being ensnared in metal wires set to trap wild boars and deer. Strict guidelines will be drafted for issuing firearm licenses to those within 10 km radius of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Though activists have appreciated these proposals, they also said most of these suggestions were made to the department more than a year ago.