J&K sets up 42 control rooms to curb poaching, human-wildlife conflict

Srinagar, Mar 13: The Forest, Ecology and Environment Department informed the Jammu and Kashmir Government that 42 control rooms across the Union Territory have been established to prevent poaching and mitigate human- wildlife conflict.
The information was provided in the Legislative Assembly in response to an unstarred question raised by MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia regarding the steps taken to address human-animal conflicts in J&K.
The house was informed that the Department of Wildlife Protection has implemented various measures to reduce human-wildlife conflicts within protected areas and beyond.
“Forty-two control rooms have been set up across J&K, equipped with tranquilizing guns, medicines, capture nets, and cages. Cages are placed at vulnerable locations to capture and relocate wild animals posing a threat to life and property,” the official response stated.
Additionally, the department said awareness campaigns on human-wildlife conflict mitigation, including do’s and don’ts, are being disseminated through electronic, print, and social media. Cooperation from the police, revenue, forest departments, and the general public is sought in handling such situations.
The house was also informed that the Housing & Urban Development Department is implementing an Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programme under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2022.
Under this program, stray dogs are captured from different areas, sterilized at ABC centers, vaccinated against rabies, and then released, ultimately reducing their population and associated conflicts.
To further curb the issue, all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have set up Local Animal Birth Control Monitoring Committees and conducted awareness programs under the ABC initiative.
In response to another question on crop damage caused by monkeys and other wild animals, the department acknowledged that fruit orchards and agricultural fields are sometimes affected.
To mitigate monkey-related damage, the department encourages farmers to cultivate crops that monkeys typically avoid, such as citrus lime, Aonia, Aloe vera, Karonda, and dragon fruit.
Farmers in monkey-infested areas are also being provided 50% financial assistance (up to ₹1 lakh per hectare) for solar fencing under the J&KClP scheme. Additionally, monkey repeller guns are being promoted in orchard areas.
To discourage monkeys from entering farmlands, fruit-bearing plants are being introduced in forested areas, and public awareness campaigns are being conducted to discourage feeding monkeys.
Regarding a potential policy to control the rising monkey population, the government clarified that following an amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (amended in 2022), the rhesus macaque has been removed from the list of protected wild animals. However, the department continues to raise awareness about the issue.
The house was also informed about reports of crop damage caused by stray horses and mules in parts of Jammu, particularly in the Nikki Tawi and Nagrota areas.
“These animals were captured by the Jammu Municipal Corporation team and impounded at the cattle pound in Seri Kurd, Nagrota, which operates under the aegis of the Jammu Municipal Corporation,” the response stated.
With these initiatives, the government aims to strike a balance between wildlife conservation and human safety while addressing conflicts arising from increasing human-wildlife interactions in J&K.