JK witnessing increase in man-animal conflict

Over 100 people have been attacked by wild animals in Jammu and Kashmir during the last three years and at least 12 have lost their lives, the state government today said, and expressed concern over the man-animal conflict which is on a rise due to encroachment of forest land.
Minister for Urban Development Nawang Rigzin Jora said that Rs 2.40 crore has been paid as compensation to victims of the conflict.
"During the last three years, 100 persons were attacked by wild animals out of which 12 persons died and 88 persons were injured in Kupwara district," he said.
"Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed increase in man wild animal-conflict, which is due to the expanding human populations, encroachment of forest lands and wastelands, fragmentation of wild animal habitat due to development activities and conversion of habitats into croplands and orchards," the Minister said.

Replying to a calling attention notice of Syed Mohammad Rafiq Shah in the Legislative Council, the Minister said an amount of Rs 2.40 crores has been paid as compensation to the victims of this conflict over the past five years.
Jora said an amount of Rs 5,000 to Rs 33,000 was paid in case of injury and Rs 1,00000 in case of death as per the norms in the state.
"During the third meeting of the State Board for Wildlife held on September 17 the enhancement of compensation has been proposed to the tune of Rs three lakh in case of death and 30 per cent of Rs three lakh in case of grave injury and Rs 15,000 in case of minor injury," he added.

"In nine death cases, compensation as per entitlement has been sanctioned while out of injured persons the cases of 34 persons have been settled," he said adding the remaining cases are in the process of settlement.