Chandigarh | January 29, 2026
A one-day State Level Workshop on Human–Wildlife Conflict was organised today by the,”Department of Forests and Wildlife Preservation, Punjab” at Chhatbir Zoo by bringing together multiple stakeholders on a common platform to ensure the safety of both humans and wild animals.
The workshop focused on practical strategies to prevent and manage human–wildlife encounters across Punjab. It highlighted that human–wildlife conflict is not solely a forest department issue, but a broader concern linked to public safety, agriculture, and livelihoods.
Senior officials present included Mr. Priyank Bharti, IAS, Secretary (Forest), Mr. Basanta Raj Kumar, IFS, Chief Wildlife Warden, Punjab, Mr. Satender Kumar Sagar, IFS, Chief Conservator Wildlife, Punjab, Mr. Vishal Chauhan, IFS, Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Mr. Ajit Kulkarni, IFS, CF–Wildlife, Shivalik Circle, and Mr. Nalin Yadav, IFS, Field Director, Chhatbir Zoo. Officers from the Forest and Wildlife Protection Department, along with representatives from police administration, Panchayati Raj institutions, technical educational institutions, and NGOs, also participated.
During the workshop, presentations were made on damage caused by wildlife, mitigation measures, safe animal rescue techniques, and emergency response mechanisms. It was noted that conflicts in Punjab mainly involve nilgai, wild pigs, leopards, snakes, and stray cattle.
Key reasons behind rising encounters include:
Expansion of agriculture
Rapid urban growth in cities like Mohali, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, and Patiala
Climate change and increasing water scarcity
The government’s major initiatives to address the issue include:
Compensation and relief mechanisms for human injury, death, crop damage, and livestock loss, with simplified and faster disbursal
Regulated hunting permits for population control where species exceed ecological balance
Chain-link fencing around wildlife sanctuaries and forest areas to prevent animal entry into human settlements
Deployment of modern equipment for field staff and rapid response rescue teams
Officials also appreciated the cooperation of farmers and villagers, and specially acknowledged the Bishnoi community for its continued support in wildlife conservation.
The workshop concluded with a collective resolve by the Forest Department, administration, police, Panchayati Raj institutions, educational bodies, and NGOs to take concrete, coordinated steps for long-term solutions to human–wildlife conflict in Punjab.
