Man-Animal Conflict: In 5-yrs, 10 lives lost in Kulgam

Kulgam, Sept 18: Kulgam, a picturesque district in south Kashmir, boasts lush greenery and natural beauty, with nearly half of its expanse covered by dense forests. However, this abundance of wilderness has given rise to a chilling trend that has claimed the lives of 10 individuals over the past five years – the relentless conflict between human and wild animals.
Last month five persons have received injuries in a human animal conflict in Damhal Hanjipora, the incident has again given rise to the demand for a wildlife control room in Damhal Hanjipora which has been battling with these incidents.
Official data reveals a staggering 725 incidents of human-animal conflicts in Kulgam from April 2018 to August 2023. These harrowing events not only resulted in the tragic loss of lives but also left 19 people injured and scarred by these confrontations. The numbers shed light on a growing concern that demands urgent attention.
The district is home to just one Wildlife Control Room (WCM), located in the remote area of Devsar. This single control room is tasked with handling a vast expanse of forested land, leaving the far-off regions on the edge of vulnerability when dealing with wild animals.
Perhaps the most pressing challenge is the sheer distance between the WCM and the Damhal Hanjipora (D H Pora) belt – a hotspot for these distressing conflicts. Situated 30 kilometers away from the control room, this belt has witnessed a significant portion of the recorded incidents.
With little access to immediate help, communities living in these regions find themselves grappling with fear and uncertainty. The limited knowledge and equipment available further underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address this growing crisis.
The loss of ten lives paints a grim picture of the human toll of these conflicts. Behind these statistics are stories of families torn apart, dreams shattered, and lives forever altered by encounters with the untamed inhabitants of the forests. The need for a multi-pronged approach involving education, awareness, and improved infrastructure cannot be overstated.
According to official records obtained by Rising Kashmir, between January 1st, 2020, and August 31st, 2023, a total of 83 wild animals were encountered in Kulgam. These included black bears, leopards, monkeys, porcupines, flying foxes, wild cats, snakes, and owls. Among these, 83 were trapped, tranquilized, and subsequently released.
Additionally, 61 animals were safely driven back to their habitats with the aid of squibbing. Throughout this period, 89 cages were deployed to facilitate the safe capture of these creatures, with 54 of them already retrieved.
Compensation for Human-Animal Conflict Victims in Kulgam District (April 2018 – August 2023)
The Department has provided compensation to individuals affected by human-animal conflicts in Kulgam district, totalling 32.90 lakhs for the deceased.
Furthermore, for the injured parties, an amount of Rs 6.50 lakhs has been disbursed, as per official records.
Rouf Zargar, Wildlife Warden South Division told Rising Kashmir that Kulgam district lacks any designated wildlife protected area. He clarified that the current control room’s primary focus is to address human-animal conflicts.
“We have a proposal in place for the potential establishment of a control room in Damhal Hanjipora. This facility would not only be staffed by trained professionals capable of treating injured wild animals but also adept at rescuing them from areas of human habitation,” Zargar added.