The Union Government has allocated Rs 1.27 crore to Jammu and Kashmir for the fiscal years 2024-25 and 2025-26 to manage human-wildlife conflict and develop wildlife habitats. The funds are part of a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at addressing challenges arising from interactions between humans and wildlife.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released Rs 73.97 lakh in 2024-25 and Rs 53.15 lakh in 2025-26. This allocation is intended to support various measures designed to mitigate conflicts and enhance the safety of both human populations and wildlife.
The details were provided by Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in a written response to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha concerning the capture of aggressive wild animals. The Union Government underscored that the primary responsibility for wildlife management and resolving human-wildlife conflicts rests with the respective States and Union Territories. These local administrations are designated as the initial responders to conflict situations, maintaining crucial records of incidents and the species involved.
The financial assistance provided under the umbrella scheme, Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats, is multifaceted. It includes provisions for the capture and relocation of wild animals identified as problematic, establishing necessary infrastructure for translocated animals, and implementing strategies for monitoring and deterring such animals from human settlements. Furthermore, the scheme covers compensation for losses incurred by individuals, including damage to crops and property, as well as life insurance for those affected. Public awareness campaigns and capacity-building initiatives for Forest Department personnel are also integral components.
While the financial allocation was detailed, the Ministry did not furnish Jammu and Kashmir-specific data on the number of wild animals captured, translocated, or otherwise managed during the reporting period. This data is typically maintained at the local administrative level.
The legal framework supporting these actions is outlined in Section 11(1)(a) of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. This provision empowers Chief Wild Life Wardens across States and Union Territories to authorize the capture or translocation of Schedule-I wild animals that pose a danger to human life. The collection and maintenance of related data fall under the purview of the respective States and UTs.
On a broader national scale, the Central Government has initiated several programs to address human-wildlife interactions. The ‘Tiger Outside Tiger Reserves’ scheme, with an outlay of Rs 88.7 crore, aims to mitigate conflicts involving tigers outside protected areas. Additionally, a Regional Action Plan for Elephant Conservation has been approved for the southern States. The establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Human-Wildlife Conflict Management at the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), WII–South India Centre, in Coimbatore, further signifies the commitment to evidence-based and technologically advanced approaches to conflict resolution.
It is pertinent to note that separate substantial funding, amounting to Rs 2,900 crore in 2024-25 and Rs 1,585.19 crore in 2025-26, was released to other States under the Project Tiger and Elephant component of the scheme. Jammu and Kashmir was not listed among the recipients for this specific component during the mentioned years.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
