Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed displeasure over the incidents of human-bear conflict in the state. He has directed the Forest Department to take immediate action to control the incidents. Following this, Principal Secretary Forest RK Sudhanshu held a meeting with forest officials and district officials. In this, he directed the disposal of garbage scattered around homes and to control incidents of human-bear conflict.
Take action against those who do not dispose of garbage.
Principal Secretary Sudhanshu said that District Magistrates should organize public awareness programs. Waste should be disposed of in an organic manner. He said that bears can be prevented from entering garbage sites by pouring kerosene or phenyl. All District Magistrates should take action by issuing notices to Executive Officers and other concerned officials who do not dispose of garbage.
Make adequate security arrangements.
Officials at the meeting stated that bears become active during winter due to their pre-hibernation period. The Principal Secretary said that in the event of any incident, the concerned DFO should immediately reach the site. Those affected by bear attacks should be provided immediate compensation and security measures.
Amount to be provided from untied funds.
Officials were directed that if compensation funds are not available, the District Magistrate should immediately provide funds from the untied fund. If there is negligence in this regard, action will be taken against the concerned person. During this time, Chief Conservator of Forests Samir Sinha, PCCF Wildlife Ranjan Mishra, APCCF Vivek Pandey, and other officials were connected via video conferencing.
The following instructions were also given:
– Ensure proper lighting around populated areas.
– Encourage people to install strong fences.
– Regularly clean bushes around cow sheds and houses.
– Use drones for surveillance in areas with bear movement.
– Ensure security of known bear habitats.
– Increase foot patrolling and conduct it in groups.
– As a long-term measure, plant trees in bear-infested areas.
