Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on January 6, 2026, directed officials to immediately complete hotspot mapping of wildlife conflict-prone areas across sensitive districts, blocks, and villages to address the rising incidents of human-wildlife conflict in the state. Chairing the 22nd meeting of the Uttarakhand State Wildlife Board at the state secretariat, Dhami emphasized that safeguarding human life and property while simultaneously ensuring wildlife conservation remains the government's top priority. He called for enhanced, coordinated efforts between the forest department and district administrations to mitigate risks posed by animals such as bears, leopards, tigers, and elephants, which have increasingly ventured into human settlements due to habitat pressures and other factors.

The directive comes amid growing concerns over human-wildlife encounters in Uttarakhand, a state renowned for its rich biodiversity and proximity to protected areas like Jim Corbett National Park, Rajaji Tiger Reserve, and various wildlife sanctuaries. Recent years have seen a surge in attacks on humans, crop damage, and livestock losses, particularly in the foothills and Terai regions where forests border agricultural and residential zones. The chief minister stressed the need for a joint monitoring mechanism to identify and prioritize high-risk zones, enabling proactive measures such as improved fencing, community awareness programs, early warning systems, and compensation mechanisms for affected families.

Dhami's instructions align with the state's broader wildlife management strategy, which seeks to balance ecological preservation with the safety and livelihoods of local communities. The Uttarakhand State Wildlife Board, comprising experts, officials, and stakeholders, plays a key role in policy formulation on such issues. Officials have been tasked with expediting the hotspot mapping exercise, which involves data collection on conflict patterns, animal movement corridors, and vulnerable human habitations, to inform targeted interventions and resource allocation.

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This initiative reflects the government's commitment to sustainable development in a state where tourism, agriculture, and wildlife coexist closely. By prioritizing both human safety and conservation, the Uttarakhand administration aims to reduce fatalities, minimize economic losses, and foster greater harmony between people and nature in one of India's most ecologically sensitive regions. Implementation of the hotspot mapping and subsequent measures is expected to begin without delay, with regular progress reviews by the chief minister.

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