J&K Reports 15,661 Human-Wildlife Conflict Cases From 2023-25, 32 Fatalities: Govt

Jammu, Feb 17: Between 2023 and 2025, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed 15,661 cases of human-wildlife conflict, resulting in 32 deaths and 350 injuries, the government informed the Assembly on Tuesday. Jammu district alone accounted for nearly 18% of these incidents, highlighting its vulnerability.

Forest Minister Javed Rana provided the data in a written reply to NC MLA Mubarak Gul. During 2023-24, 9,301 cases were recorded with 137 injuries and 18 fatalities. Jammu district led with 1,444 cases, followed by Kupwara (1,173), Kishtwar (998), Baramulla (950), Doda (826), and Ramban (756). Kupwara saw four deaths, while Doda and Anantnag recorded three each.

In 2024-25, 6,360 incidents were reported so far, causing 213 injuries and 14 deaths. Jammu again topped the chart with 1,341 cases, followed by Ramban (686), Kishtwar (673), Anantnag (637), and Doda (609). Anantnag reported the highest injuries (34), while Doda and Kupwara recorded three fatalities each. The age of affected individuals ranged from 15 to 60 in Jammu and 4 to 70 in Kashmir.

Government Response and Mitigation Efforts

The government emphasized that human wildlife conflict has not increased significantly in recent years and highlighted ongoing mitigation strategies. Forty-two control rooms across the UT have been set up for round the clock response, equipped with tranquilising guns, rescue equipment, capture nets, medicines, and vehicles manned by trained personnel.

Regular patrolling, surveillance, and deployment of quick response teams are being carried out at identified hotspots, alongside warning signage and other preventive measures. Long-term interventions include scientific zoning of conflict areas, habitat improvement, and protection of wildlife corridors to ensure coexistence.

Several compensation claims remain pending, with Kupwara (46), Anantnag (41), and Baramulla (28) having the highest number of unresolved cases.