Task force formed to reduce man-animal conflict in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: A state-level task force has been constituted for preparation of a master plan for the next three years for the reduction of man-animal conflict in Odisha.

The task force constituted under the chairmanship of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden will submit the master plan to the government within six weeks, informed Forest & Environment Minister Bikram Keshari Arukha.

Arukha further reiterated that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has always stressed upon endeavours for reduction of man-animal conflict in the state.

It is, therefore, essential to prioritise the activities and streamline different interventions to reduce man-animal conflict and have a master plan for 3 years so that funds under different schemes are spent as per this master plan, he added.

In addition to department schemes, funds under site-specific wildlife plans for forest diversion cases, CAMPA, MGNREGS and DMF can be effectively utilised for habitat development, digging of trenches and other protective measures including IEC campaign.

DFOs should have SOPs with railways, NH, State Highways, Irrigation officials, Electricity distribution companies with an institutional arrangement of regular monitoring and review at the circle, district and division level.