KISHTWAR, JULY 24: In a significant step towards providing relief to those impacted by human-wildlife conflicts, the Wildlife Protection Department’s Chenab Division on Wednesday disbursed compensation to victims and their families in the Kishtwar region. A total of Rs 30.50 lakh was distributed under Government Order No. 139-JK(FST) of 2023, dated June 26, 2023.
The compensation, granted to individuals who suffered injuries or to the families of those who lost their lives due to wild animal attacks, seeks to address the hardships faced by residents across various areas of the district. The disbursement underscores the department’s commitment to swift and compassionate redressal in the aftermath of such tragic incidents.
The ceremony, held in the presence of Wildlife Warden Mr. Mohinder Singh Jamwal, was attended by Range Officers Mr. Sumit Kumar and Mr. Shaper Iqbal, along with other departmental staff.
Expressing their appreciation, several beneficiaries acknowledged the department’s prompt support and its proactive approach in reaching out to the affected households. Many lauded the initiative as a much-needed gesture in the wake of growing man-animal encounters in the region.
Officials reiterated the department’s broader vision of safeguarding both human and wildlife interests. Emphasis was laid on fostering community participation to enhance conflict mitigation mechanisms, improve awareness, and promote coexistence in ecologically sensitive zones.
The Wildlife Protection Department further assured the public of its ongoing efforts to strengthen monitoring systems and deploy responsive strategies to reduce the frequency and severity of such encounters.
Raja Shakeel is a journalist associated with The Chenab Times. Read More.