Uttarakhand Launches District-Wise Wildlife Sterilization, Rescue Centres to Curb Conflicts
Government launches sterilization centers to combat rising attacks.
The Uttarakhand government has introduced a multifaceted approach to mitigate the intensifying human-wildlife conflicts that have plagued both its hilly and plains regions, with a key component being the creation of advanced sterilization centers in every one of the state's 13 districts. These facilities aim to humanely control the burgeoning populations of problematic species, including monkeys, langurs, wild pigs, and bears, which have increasingly ventured into human habitats.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami outlined the initiative, confirming the parallel development of dedicated rescue and rehabilitation centers district-wide, supported by designated land allocations—at least 10 Naali in forested hilly zones and a minimum of one acre in the plains. To bolster immediate operational capabilities, an additional allocation of five crore rupees will provide the Forest Department with critical equipment such as capture nets, transport cages, and tranquilizer guns.
In high-risk zones where wildlife frequently raids agricultural fields or threatens settlements, the government plans to roll out modern protective infrastructure in phases, featuring solar-powered electric fencing and sophisticated sensor-based early warning systems. These technologies are intended to deter intrusions by animals like elephants, leopards, and nilgai while minimising harm to both humans and wildlife.
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Administrative reforms will include amendments to existing regulations, granting Forest Department officials at the Ranger level greater autonomy to classify persistently aggressive animals as prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act. This decentralisation is designed to facilitate quicker, more localised responses to emerging threats without bureaucratic delays.
The imperative for these actions is evident from alarming statistics: between January 1 and December 21, 2025, the state recorded 534 wildlife-related incidents, leading to 63 human fatalities and 471 injuries. Recent events, such as a bear cub attacking a Class 7 student in Chamoli district, highlight the ongoing dangers, particularly to vulnerable groups like children. A comprehensive rollout plan is anticipated within the next two weeks, following consultations with experts and discussions with central authorities.
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