CM Hemant Soren orders elephant corridor mapping to curb human-wildlife conflict
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, August 24: Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday directed officials to prepare a concrete action plan to…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, August 24: Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday directed officials to prepare a concrete action plan to reduce human-wildlife conflict and undertake precise mapping of all elephant corridors in Jharkhand.
The directives were issued at the first meeting of the Governing Body of the Jharkhand Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA)–State Authority, chaired by the Chief Minister.
The meeting reviewed the progress of schemes related to compensatory afforestation, forest conservation, elephant corridors, environmental protection and development of forest areas across the state.
Soren directed officials to precisely map all elephant corridors and ensure that traditional wildlife movement routes remain unobstructed.
He called for detailed identification of sensitive areas within the corridors and their necessary demarcation so that wildlife habitats and movement zones are not unnecessarily disturbed.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to ensure better coordination among departments for timely implementation of projects.
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Development Must Balance Wildlife Conservation
Soren said development activities such as crusher operations in hilly areas and coal mining in forest regions could affect wildlife habitats and movement.
He directed officials to formulate an action plan that balances development with wildlife conservation.
Where roads are required through elephant corridors, he suggested exploring technologies such as elevated roads to avoid obstructing the movement of elephants and other wildlife.
He also called for planting species that provide food for wildlife in their natural habitats, saying this could help reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Soil, Water Conservation and Medicinal Plants
The Chief Minister directed officials to give special priority to soil and water conservation, groundwater recharge and environmental restoration.
He also instructed the Forest Department to include medicinal trees and plants in afforestation programmes and select species that are beneficial to both local communities and wildlife.
Soren said the benefits of CAMPA-funded schemes should not remain confined to paperwork but should create a visible impact on forests and the lives of rural communities.
He also called for regular monitoring of plantations to ensure that saplings survive and develop into mature trees.
Technology to Track Elephant Movement
Forest Department officials informed the meeting that modern technology is being deployed to monitor elephant movement and reduce the risk of human-wildlife conflict.
Thermal and infrared cameras are being installed in sensitive areas, including Ramgarh and Chakulia, to detect elephant movement in advance.
When elephants are detected by tower-mounted cameras, local residents will be alerted through hooters. Mobile numbers of people living in vulnerable areas are also being registered to enable them to receive real-time alerts about elephant movement.
The concerned departmental offices will receive the information online, allowing officials to take timely action.
CM Reviews CAMPA Schemes
Soren also reviewed ongoing and proposed CAMPA schemes, including fund availability, expenditure, quality of work and ground-level progress.
He directed officials to ensure timely implementation, transparency and regular monitoring, and to fix accountability wherever projects face undue delays.
The Chief Minister said Jharkhand’s forests and natural resources are an invaluable legacy for future generations and stressed the need to maintain a balance between development and conservation.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, senior officials of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Road Construction, Finance, Rural Development, Tourism, Revenue and Welfare departments, as well as senior Forest Department and wildlife officials.
