Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, May 22: The Forest Department has implemented an action plan to address the conflict between elephants and humans in villages adjacent to the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary in Jamshedpur, aiming to alleviate wildlife scarcity. The department has initiated the development of grasslands in the forest area to deter animals from straying outside. This exercise aims to strengthen the food chain for both herbivorous and carnivorous animals in the Dalma Sanctuary region. Continuous encroachment in the Dalma Sanctuary has led to insufficient food availability for animals residing there. Consequently, elephants and other animals have been frequently entering populated areas, posing a threat to children and livestock. The failure of the Forest Department to prevent these attacks has led to growing resentment among the local population.
Efforts initiated to control Human-Wildlife conflict
Recognizing the escalating human-wildlife conflict, the Forest Department has initiated measures to effectively control the situation. Grasslands are being developed in the approximately 194 square kilometers of the Dalma Sanctuary, ensuring an adequate food chain for all animals. Currently, 10 hectares of grasslands are being established within the Dalma Sanctuary. This development will increase the population of wild animals within the sanctuary and facilitate the maintenance of both herbivorous and carnivorous species. Sufficient prey will be available within the Dalma Sanctuary, ensuring a stable food source.
New grasslands to promote herbivorous and carnivorous food sources: DFO Dr. Abhishek Kumar, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Dalma, stated that while the sanctuary already possesses existing grasslands, the development of new grasslands is necessary to cater to both herbivorous and carnivorous animals. The work in this direction has commenced, and if this approach proves effective in curbing human-wildlife conflict and bolstering animal populations, further development will be pursued.
