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Uttarakhand Directs Action Plan to Curb Human Wildlife Conflict

Source:theprint ↗

Why It Matters

Human-wildlife conflict is a critical environmental and socio-economic issue in hill states like Uttarakhand, directly affecting local livelihoods, agricultural security, and wildlife conservation policies.

Summary

Uttarakhand Chief Minister directed officials to formulate a targeted action plan to curb rising human-wildlife conflicts in the state, stressing better inter-departmental coordination, habitat improvement, and safety measures for residents living near forest fringes.

Key Points

  • Uttarakhand Chief Minister directed officials to prepare a comprehensive plan to minimize human-wildlife conflict in the state.
  • Emphasized coordination between forest, police, and local administration to prevent wildlife attacks and protect human lives and property.
  • Focus on habitat management, early warning systems, and prompt compensation for affected families.

Important Terms

Human-Wildlife Conflict

An ecological crisis marked by escalating interactions between wild animals and human communities, resulting in loss of life, crop damage, and retaliatory wildlife killings in forested hill regions.

UPSC context

Crucial for GS Paper III (Environment & Ecology, Conservation) and UKPSC Mains, testing biodiversity management and human-nature coexistence strategies in hill states.

Source
State Wildlife Board

A statutory state-level body chaired by the Chief Minister, responsible for advising the government on wildlife conservation, protected area management, and mitigating man-animal friction.

UPSC context

Important for UKPSC Governance and Environment questions on state-specific statutory bodies, environmental policy formulation, and wildlife protection.

Source

Static Concepts Connected

Uttarakhand Environment & Biodiversity Management

What are the key legal provisions and institutional mechanisms for wildlife management in Uttarakhand?

  • Statutory Head: The Chief Wildlife Warden heads the state wildlife wing under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • Rapid Response: Uttarakhand has established specialized rescue centers and rapid response teams in vulnerable forest divisions.
  • Advisory Board: State Wildlife Board advises the government on declaration of eco-sensitive zones and protected areas.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • Human-Wildlife Conflict & Panchayati Raj Governance

    Human-wildlife conflict intersects with decentralized planning, where Gram Panchayats near forest fringes play a frontline role in early warning and disaster response.

  • Biodiversity Shift & Himalayan Climate Vulnerability

    Rising leopard and elephant incursions into hill districts connect directly to climate-driven altitudinal shifts in flora and fauna habitats.

Uttarakhand CM's directive on human-wildlife conflict will feature in UKPSC Mains Paper V (Environment) and Prelims state-schemes.

Linked PYQs · 2

Linked PYQs · 2

  • 2025UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Consider the following statements and select the correct answer from the options given below : Statement 1 : Uttarakhand is highly vulnerable to climate change. Statement 2 : Climate change is causing water stress and depleting biodiversity in Uttarakhand.

  • 2025UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Consider the following statements with reference to animal husbandry in Uttarakhand. Select the correct answer from the codes given below : 1. Animal husbandry is a supplementary occupation of agriculture. 2. Sheep rearing in the mountainous areas has been affected by environmental degradation.