Srinagar, Aug 20: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Kashmir, the Wildlife Department is set to introduce new methods to deter wild animals from entering residential areas amid the growing instances of human-wildlife conflict across the valley.
The department plans to use a range of non-lethal deterrent techniques, including playing music, using devices or sticks capable of producing a mild electric current, and pepper spray, to drive wild animals away from populated areas without causing them harm.
Regional Wildlife Warden Kashmir Tawheed Ahmad Deva told Rising Kashmir that the department is preparing to introduce these methods as part of its efforts to strengthen preventive measures and reduce encounters between humans and wild animals.
He said the new techniques would provide people with additional means to protect themselves when wild animals venture close to residential areas.
The department is also planning to provide some of these deterrent instruments to local residents in vulnerable areas so that they can use them during emergencies and keep themselves safe until wildlife response teams reach the spot.
The move comes amid an increase in reports of wild animals, particularly bears, entering residential areas and posing a threat to people. Wildlife officials have been receiving a large number of distress calls related to animal movement and human-wildlife encounters across Kashmir.
Deva said the objective is to prevent animals from entering human habitations through safe and non-lethal methods rather than resorting to measures that could injure or kill the animals.
The proposed measures are expected to complement the department’s existing response mechanism, under which specialised teams are deployed to respond to distress calls and drive wild animals back into their natural habitats.
Officials believe that involving local communities in the prevention mechanism could help residents respond more effectively when wild animals are spotted near homes, agricultural fields or other populated areas.
The department is likely to identify vulnerable locations and train residents on the safe use of the equipment before distributing the instruments.
The initiative assumes significance as expanding human settlements, increased human activity near forest areas and shrinking natural spaces have contributed to more frequent encounters between people and wildlife in several parts of Kashmir.
Wildlife officials have maintained that people should avoid approaching, chasing or provoking wild animals and instead immediately alert the department so that trained personnel can handle the situation.
The new deterrent measures, officials said, are aimed at creating a safer buffer between wildlife and human settlements while ensuring that animals are driven away without causing unnecessary harm.
