Avinash Azad
Human-wildlife conflicts continue to pose a serious threat in Jammu and Kashmir, with 32 people losing their lives since April 2023. In response to a question raised by MLA Mir Saifullah, the government informed the JK Legislative Assembly (JKLA) on Saturday that these conflicts have also resulted in injuries to 269 individuals during the same period.
The official data reveals that in the financial year 2023-24, 124 people sustained injuries due to encounters with wild animals, while the number rose to 145 in 2024-25. On average, 16 people die each year due to such conflicts, highlighting the growing risk to human lives, particularly in rural and forested regions of the Union Territory.
To address the losses suffered by the victims and their families, the government has disbursed financial compensation. According to official figures, Rs 121.02 lakh was paid to victims in the 2023-24 fiscal year, while Rs 155.08 lakh has been disbursed in the current financial year (2024-25). The compensation is being provided in accordance with government orders issued from time to time.
“Compensation is being paid to the victims or families of victims of human-animal conflicts in pursuance of government directives,” the official response read. The government further clarified that the current compensation structure follows Government Order No. 139-JK(FST) of 2023, dated June 28, 2023.
The rising number of human-wildlife conflicts has sparked concerns over the effectiveness of mitigation measures and the need for improved strategies to prevent further loss of life. Experts believe that rapid deforestation, habitat encroachment, and food scarcity are forcing wild animals into human settlements, leading to increased confrontations.
Local communities, particularly those in conflict-prone areas, have urged the government to implement stronger measures such as enhanced monitoring, increased forest department patrols, and better compensation mechanisms to support affected families. Wildlife conservationists are also calling for more sustainable solutions to manage animal populations and reduce human-animal interactions.
As conflicts escalate, the government faces mounting pressure to enhance its response mechanisms and ensure the safety of people residing in wildlife-prone areas. The need for a comprehensive, long-term strategy to address human-wildlife conflicts in J&K has never been more urgent.
