Yogi Adityanath Acts on Human-Wildlife Conflict in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath convened a high-level meeting with officials to address increasing human-wildlife conflicts in the state. Strategies were discussed to mitigate these incidents, which include deploying additional personnel, raising awareness, and increasing patrols. District officials have been instructed to take immediate actions, including public education campaigns.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a high-level meeting with officials to address a surge in human-wildlife conflicts across various districts, according to a statement. The meeting, which included the state's forest minister and other senior officials, aimed at formulating strategies to monitor and prevent such incidents. Adityanath directed a thorough examination of the causes and called for immediate mitigative actions.

Following the chief minister's directives, district officials formed teams to bolster combing operations and spread awareness in rural areas. Adityanath urged collaborative efforts among the administration, police, forest department, local panchayats, and revenue departments to conduct public awareness campaigns focused on safety measures.

Expressing concern over recent attacks by man-eating wolves and leopards, he stressed the need for decisive actions, including capturing the animals to safeguard human lives. The Forest Minister Arun Kumar Saxena subsequently ordered the deployment of additional personnel in affected districts such as Bahraich, Sitapur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Pilibhit, and Bijnor. Senior officials were tasked with ensure proper lighting in rural areas and increasing coordination with local representatives.

District Magistrates in affected areas issued guidelines for regular patrolling in forest regions and adjacent villages. Meetings will be held in villages near reserved forests to raise awareness and instruct villagers on precautionary measures. Villagers are advised to work in groups and make noise while working in fields to prevent wildlife encounters.

Public awareness efforts will include installing hoardings in public places such as temples, gurdwaras, mosques, schools, and local markets. Posters and pamphlets will be distributed to educate villagers on avoiding wildlife conflicts. Officials are also directed to maintain regular communication with village heads to ensure swift responses to potential threats.

(With inputs from agencies.)