JAMMU, August 20, 2026 : The Jammu and Kashmir Government has stepped up efforts to address the rising incidence of Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) across the Union Territory, with senior officials directed to establish stronger, faster and scientifically sound mechanisms for dealing with conflict situations.
A high-level meeting to review the prevailing HWC situation and measures for its effective mitigation was held under the chairpersonship of Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner/Secretary to Government, Forest, Ecology & Environment Department.
The meeting was attended by Dr Suneesh Buxy, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)/Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K, Rajinder Singh Tara, Secretary to Government, Forest, Ecology & Environment Department, Secretary Technical, Regional Wildlife Wardens of Jammu and Kashmir and all Wildlife Wardens of the UT.
Comprehensive Review of HWC Situation
Dr Suneesh Buxy delivered a detailed presentation on the prevailing Human-Wildlife Conflict situation across Jammu and Kashmir and outlined the initiatives undertaken by the department for effective mitigation.
The presentation examined the major drivers of HWC, operational challenges, existing response mechanisms, infrastructure and manpower gaps, identified conflict hotspots, rescue operations and community awareness measures.
Officials also discussed the proposed Integrated Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Framework for 2026-29, aimed at developing a more coordinated and sustainable approach to reducing conflict between humans and wildlife.
Species-Specific SOPs for Faster Response
Sheetal Nanda directed the concerned officers to formulate species-specific and situation-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure effective, scientific and timely action during HWC incidents.
The SOPs are expected to cover the complete response chain, including rescue, capture, handling, transportation, release or rehabilitation and post-rescue monitoring.
She stressed that response mechanisms must be strengthened so that emergency situations are handled promptly while ensuring the safety of both people and wildlife.
Immediate Compensation and Better Coordination
Nanda directed officials to ensure the immediate settlement of compensation cases in favour of victims of human-wildlife conflict.
She also emphasised stronger coordination among all agencies involved in emergency response, including the Police, District Administration and allied wings of the Forest Department, so that SOS calls can be addressed without delay.
All Wildlife Wardens were instructed to take up the issue with their respective Deputy Commissioners for establishing district-level coordination committees to improve preparedness and facilitate faster interdepartmental response.
Comprehensive Action Plan for HWC Hotspots
The Wildlife Protection Wing was directed to prepare a comprehensive action plan specifically focused on Human-Wildlife Conflict across Jammu and Kashmir.
The plan is expected to examine requirements related to:
- Habitat improvement
- Conflict mitigation measures
- Rescue infrastructure and equipment
- Adequate manpower
- Preventive interventions
- Identified HWC hotspots
- Emergency response preparedness
- Community awareness and sensitisation
Nanda further directed officials to augment existing infrastructure and equipment and improve departmental preparedness for handling HWC incidents effectively.
Mass Awareness Through Media
The Commissioner/Secretary also called for wider use of television, radio and social media platforms to generate mass awareness and sensitise communities about human-wildlife conflict.
She stressed the importance of educating people living in vulnerable areas about preventive measures and appropriate responses when wild animals enter human-dominated areas.
Plantation of Wild Fruit-Bearing Species
As part of a preventive approach, Wildlife Wardens were directed to ensure the plantation of wild fruit-bearing plants in forest and wildlife areas.
The move is aimed at improving natural food availability for wild animals and reducing the likelihood of their movement into human-dominated areas in search of food.
The Government’s emphasis on species-specific SOPs, faster compensation, coordinated emergency response, stronger infrastructure and habitat-based preventive measures is aimed at building a more comprehensive HWC management system across Jammu and Kashmir.
