Standing Committee of National Board of Wildlife approves advisory for Human-Wildlife Conflict management

The Standing Committee of National Board of Wildlife has approved the advisory for management of Human-Wildlife Conflict in the country. The advisory makes important preions for the States and Union Territories for dealing with Human-Wildlife conflict situations and seeks expedited inter-departmental coordinated and effective actions.
 
The advisory envisages empowering gram panchayats in dealing with the problematic wild animals as per the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Utilising add-on coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna for crop compensation against crop damage due to Human Wildlife Conflict and augmenting fodder and water sources within the forest areas are some key steps envisaged to reduce Human Wildlife Conflict and payment of a portion of ex-gratia as interim relief within 24 hours of the incident to the victim or family.
 

The advisory also envisages prescribing inter-departmental committees at local or state level, adoption of early warning systems, creation of barriers, dedicated circle wise Control Rooms with toll free hotline numbers which could be operated on 24X7 basis.
 
Some of the other important approvals took place during the meeting are, inclusion of Caracal, a medium size wild cat found in some parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat, into the list of critically endangered species for taking up conservation efforts. Now, there are 22 wildlife species under recovery programme for critically endangered species.
 

During the meeting, the Standing Committee also recommended the construction of causeway across Jampannavagu to Muthapur of Govindaraopet and between Jampannavagu to Motlagudem in Mulugu District of Telengana with certain mitigation measures. It also recommended the proposal for Tinaighat-Castlerock-Caranzol Railway doubling of South Western Railways, Karnataka with certain mitigation measures as advised by the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun.
 
The other decisions taken at the meeting are construction of a bridge and canal with an aim to augment the water supply and irrigation facilities in some villages of Balrampur District in Uttar Pradesh and the construction of Integrated Bus Terminus cum Commercial complex in Vashi, Navi Mumbai in Thane district.
 
The National Board for Wildlife is constituted by the Central Government under Section 5 A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

 

{ With input from news agency language)

 

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