Excelsior Correspondent
KARGIL, Jan 30 : Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon today attended a one-day workshop on Human–Wildlife Conflict Management, organised by the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, Wildlife Protection Division, Kargil (UT Ladakh) in collaboration with WWF.
The workshop was attended by Executive Councillor Aga Syed Mujtaba, Executive Councillor Er. Punchok Tashi, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests / Chief Widlife Warden, UT Ladakh, Rajesh. S, Deputy Commissioner and CEO LAHDC Kargil Rakesh Kumar, SSP Kargil Nitin Yadav, Councillors Abdul Wahid and Abdul Samadh, Advocate Khadim Hussain, Altaf Hussain, Manzoor Hussain, Divisional Forest Officer Shakeel Ahmed, Wildlife Warden Raza Ali Abidi, and officers from the Forest, Wildlife, Ecology, and Environment Departments.
Speaking on the occasion, the CEC Kargil congratulated the Wildlife Department and allied agencies for successfully organising the workshop. He stated that such initiatives play a crucial role in creating awareness about human–wildlife conflict and that the deliberations and discussions held during the workshop would help in framing effective policies to mitigate conflicts in the region.
During the workshop, Dr. Akhoon put forward several important suggestions, including an increase in compensation for farmers for livestock losses. He further proposed that the department should consider a provision to purchase livestock lost due to wildlife attacks and provide replacement livestock to affected beneficiaries.
The CEC also asked the APCCF UT Ladakh to ensure equitable allocation and utilisation of funds for Kargil, noting that the district is rich in wildlife diversity and requires focused conservation efforts.
Dr. Akhoon further suggested organising more such workshops at subdivision and hotspot levels to enhance public awareness about coexistence and conservation.
Executive Councillor Phunchok Tashi also appreciated the pivotal role played by the Wildlife Department in transforming public attitudes towards wildlife.
He described wildlife as a valuable asset of Kargil that must be protected and preserved. Highlighting the district’s vast potential in eco and wildlife tourism, he said it could become a major source of employment if developed sustainably, while maintaining harmony between humans and wildlife.
On the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar stated that in anticipation of increased tourist inflow following the completion of the Zoji La Tunnel, the Wildlife Department, on the recommendation of LAHDC Kargil, is undertaking identification and promotion of hotspot areas for the promotion of eco-tourism in a sustainable manner, protection of wetlands and wildlife rich areas by notification of protected areas.
The DC also stressed the need to expedite relief distribution to beneficiaries and suggested conducting workshops at the village level to ensure effective implementation of policies.
Earlier, Chief Wildlife Warden/APCCF UT Ladakh Rajesh S. delivered the welcome addresse and thanked CEC LAHDC Kargil Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon for his gracious presence in the workshop.
He assured that the important points discussed during the workshop will be considered for implementation in an effective manner at the ground level.
Meanwhile Wildlife Warden Raza Ali Abidi presented a detailed overview of human–wildlife conflict in Kargil, covering mitigation strategies, challenges, infrastructure development, and future action plans to reduce conflicts.
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