The State Government is committed towards mitigating the human-wildlife conflict in Uttarakhand. State Forest and Wildlife Minister Dinesh Aggarwal said this after presenting ex gratia in cheques to people who had been affected by the conflict with wildlife resulting in fatalities of people and domesticated animals along with crop damage due to wild animals.
Addressing the gathering at Rasiyabad in Haridwar forest division on Thursday the Minister said that it is not possible for the Government to present the full amount of ex gratia in case of loss of human life, cattle damage and crop damage. However, it is the duty of the Government to present compensation and the State is trying to ensure that this responsibility is discharged in full, said Aggarwal. Responding to complaint made by villagers regarding non-payment of compensation for the death of a buffalo in Shyampur range in 2013, the minister directed the divisional forest officer of Haridwar to conduct an inquiry in the case and submit his report in 10 days. Sternly warning the forest ranger concerned, Aggarwal directed that the problems of the public should be taken seriously by the department. There should be no inordinate delay in the process of presenting compensation and the person concerned should be compensated on time. He also directed that stern action be taken against those found guilty of negligence in discharge of their duty.
Aggarwal directed the Roorkee sub divisional officer to draft a proposal for construction of wall to deter elephants in areas experiencing conflict with the pachyderms. Responding to the villagers’ request, the Minister directed the DFO to make a proposal for fencing work at Gaindikhata Khadri. He also directed the official to ensure maintenance of the solar fencing while appealing the villagers to offer voluntary labour in the task of repairing of the solar fencing. The minister stated that the people should inform the forest department helpline at 9208008000 in case of attack by wild animals and in emergency situations. Aggarwl averred that the State Government is working on a comprehensive plan in the sphere of eco-tourism. The department is also preparing the plan for facilitating online booking for forest rest houses. The DFO HK Singh informed that a total of 162 persons had been identified for compensation comprising 44 from Chidiyapur, eight from Rasiyabad, 23 from Shyampur, 34 from Haridwar, 28 from laksar and 25 from Khanpur. All combined, the government is paying about `29 lakh in compensation to the eligible persons, he averred. Roorkee SDO NV Sharma, Tehsildar Dinesh Mohan Uniyal and other public representatives and officials were also among those present on the occasion.