Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
In a proactive move to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, the Terai Eastern Forest Division in Haldwani launched the “30 Days, 30 Workshops” program on Wednesday. The initiative, aimed at raising awareness among locals, will hold workshops across 30 days in primary schools, maternal health centers, and other sensitive areas within the Kilpura, Khatima, and Surai forest ranges.
The inaugural ceremony took place at the Terai Eastern Forest Division’s office in Haldwani and was attended by MP Ajay Bhatt of the Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar constituency and Vinay Bhargav, Conservator of Forests, Western Circle, Uttarakhand. Both dignitaries flagged off the “Wildlife Express” van to Khatima, an awareness vehicle equipped with an LED panel to educate locals on forest and wildlife issues. “Our heritage in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is intricately connected with wildlife,” MP Ajay Bhatt said. “These workshops will deepen this bond and encourage quick response times in case of human-wildlife incidents.”
To mark the occasion, MP Bhatt and Bhargav unveiled a documentary on sustainable eco-tourism and biodiversity and released the handbook “Guldar Ku Dagdia” and the department’s 2024 diary. They said that the initiative’s main goal is to promote harmony between humans and wildlife.
Bhargav said that the media is an essential ally in mitigating human-wildlife conflict. “We must continue working together to reduce conflict and safeguard our biodiversity in the Western Circle”, he said, adding that human-wildlife conflict reduction remains a top priority for the department, given the region’s rich biodiversity.
On Wednesday in K, the Divisional Forest Officer of the Terai Eastern Forest Division, Himanshu Bagri detailed the 30-day program structure, which will cover critical areas within Kilpura, Khatima, and Surai. The officer also outlined ongoing efforts by the division to reduce conflict between humans and wildlife, ensuring the safety of both communities.
