In a major initiative aimed at mitigating the rising frequency of human-wildlife conflicts and ensuring better animal conservation, the forest department in Bageshwar district has greenlit a significant project. The district's very first wildlife rescue centre is slated to come up in Vajuila village. An amount of Rs 1 crore 60 lakh has been officially sanctioned for the construction of this facility. Spanning an area of roughly one and a half hectares, the upcoming centre will house leopards, langurs, monkeys, and other wild animals, providing them with secure shelter and proper veterinary oversight. The establishment of this rescue centre will ensure that injured, displaced, or rescued animals find a safe haven right within the district.
Human-Wildlife Conflict Stoking Rural Anxiety
Over the past few months, rural and populated zones across Bageshwar district have witnessed several troubling incidents involving human-wildlife encounters. The constant movement of wild animals from dense forests into human settlements has kept local residents in a state of perpetual fear. On multiple occasions, the prowling of leopards near habitations has heightened safety concerns for villagers and school-going children alike. Meanwhile, the menace caused by monkeys and langurs has severely disrupted local agriculture and day-to-day life. Given these challenges, the need for a dedicated local facility to rescue and manage wild animals effectively had been felt for a long time.
Comprehensive Infrastructure Across One and a Half Hectares
Divisional Forest Officer Prakash Chandra Arya stated that Rs 1.60 crore has been sanctioned for building the rescue centre in Vajuila. Developed across approximately one and a half hectares of land, the centre will feature specialized enclosures tailored to the needs of the animals, along with proper arrangements for food supply and daily upkeep. Furthermore, necessary infrastructure will be put in place to keep rescued wildlife secure and quarantined whenever required.
Ending Reliance on Facilities in Other Districts
Divisional Forest Officer Prakash Chandra Arya noted that the construction of a dedicated rescue centre locally will bring immense relief to the forest department. Previously, whenever wildlife had to be rescued, staff faced the cumbersome task of transporting the animals to rescue centres located in distant districts. Once the local facility becomes operational, the entire rescue workflow will be streamlined, allowing for much better monitoring, care, and rehabilitation of the animals.
Hundreds of Monkeys Captured and Special Teams Deployed
In response to the escalating monkey menace across the district, the forest department has also been running active trapping operations. A total of 568 monkeys have been successfully captured so far under this ongoing initiative. Moreover, to mount an immediate response to any distress call regarding human-wildlife conflict, quick response teams have been deployed across six forest ranges in the district. Each of these deployed teams comprises five dedicated personnel ready for action.
