Haridwar: Haridwar city of Uttarakhand is known for its religious and cultural identity. Lakhs of devotees and tourists come here throughout the year from different parts of the country. In such a situation, due to the close proximity of the boundaries of residential areas and forests, the coming of wild animals into the city or village has become a common problem. Elephants, Nilgai and other wild animals leave the forest and reach residential areas and destroy the crops of farmers.
Sometimes pictures captured in CCTV cameras and sometimes photos in villagers’ phones are proof of this. This situation has raised questions on the plans and claims of the Forest Department. In such a situation, the question arises that how to prevent wild animals from coming into residential areas and what steps is the Forest Department taking for this.
Answering the question about the knocking of wild elephants and other animals in the residential area, Haridwar DFO Swapnil Anirudh said that many plans have been made to prevent elephants or other wild animals from coming into the residential area.
According to him, this problem increases due to fairs and religious events in Haridwar. Keeping this in mind, a proposal to build an elephant trench has been prepared. A proposal to build about 7 km long solar fencing and wall from Bairagi Camp to Ajitpur and surrounding areas has been sent to the higher level. After its construction, the entry of wild animals into residential areas will be banned.
DFO Swapnil Anirudh said that elephants are already moving into the residential area. The Forest Division is trying to ensure that elephants and other wild animals do not enter residential areas and that villages and cities remain safe.
Hathi Mitra Scheme, monitoring at ground level
The Forest Department has started Hathi Mitra Yojana to increase surveillance at the ground level. In this scheme, 60 elephant friends have been hired, who will keep an eye on the movement of elephants. If elephants reach near residential areas, Hathi Mitra will inform the villagers in time and inform the department.
According to DFO, this initiative has been started with the aim of reducing conflict between humans and elephants. The monitoring of elephant friends will not only control the movement of elephants but will also ensure the safety of the villagers.
Will keep a close watch on the movement of elephants
It is noteworthy that in the past too, incidents of wild elephants and other animals coming into residential areas have been happening continuously. The department has made many schemes from time to time, but farmers’ crops are still being damaged.
This initiative of the Forest Department in Haridwar will prove helpful in maintaining the balance between humans and wild animals. Monitoring of elephant ditch and elephant friends will not only protect the crops from damage but will also ensure the safety of the villagers. In such a situation, this scheme of the Forest Department is in the interest of both the local community and wild animals.
