Javed Rana flags off Wildlife Rescue Vehicle Fleet at Jammu to combat human-wildlife conflict, says “sustainable solutions needed to reduce man-animal conflict”

JAMMU: In a significant step towards enhancing the wildlife conflict mitigation measures, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, today flagged off a fleet of 10 specialised Wildlife Rescue Vehicles.

The newly procured vehicles aim to strengthen mobility of the established Wildlife Control Rooms across the Union Territory. These will also ensure swift response in handling incidents of human-wildlife conflict, particularly in vulnerable and high-risk areas.

Speaking on the occasion, Javed Rana emphasized the urgent need to address the growing threat of wildlife conflict, which poses serious social, economic and safety challenges. He asked the department to make every possible effort to protect human life and property while maintaining the ecological balance. He said that multiple steps are being taken at various levels to create awareness among the locals about animal behaviour and the protective measures they could adopt to reduce the man-animal conflict.

“Wildlife Rescue Vehicle Fleet is expected to significantly reduce response time and enhance the department’s ability to respond effectively to conflict situations, thereby safeguarding both,” maintained the Minister. Rana further highlighted the urgent need to balance conservation and development while ensuring coexistence. “We have to find sustainable solutions that protect both. While human lives must be safeguarded, the survival of wildlife is equally important,” he said.

Rana asked the wildlife department for adoption of best practices from other parts of the country that have successfully managed human-wildlife conflicts. Rana also appreciated the forest department in managing human-wildlife interactions effectively despite the challenges faced by the officials on ground.