With an aim to reduce human-wildlife conflict, the Forest and Wildlife Department in Uttar Pradesh, probably the first of its kind of initiative, will establish four modern rescue centres in Meerut, Pilibhit, Maharajganj, and Chitrakoot. The measure aims to check the increasing encounters between humans and large carnivores, including tigers, leopards, and jackals.
These centres would be strategically located, covering the regions of Western UP, Terai, Awadh, and Bundelkhand, to safely house wild animals that stray into human settlements. This initiative aims to ensure both the protection of wildlife and the safety of people living near forest areas.
Chief Forest Conservator Anuradha Vemuri informed that rescue centres are being built in the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary (Meerut), Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Sohagibarwa Wildlife Sanctuary (Maharajganj), and Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary (Chitrakoot). The state government has sanctioned Rs 57.20 crore for the project, which is being executed by Construction and Design Services (CNDS). Most of the construction is now complete, and operations will begin soon after staffing and equipment arrangements are finalized.
These rescue centres are equipped with modern facilities, including treatment units, quarantine zones, watch towers, accommodation blocks, and training halls. They are designed to provide rapid response, care, and rehabilitation for captured wild animals. Manpower and support will be provided by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), as human-wildlife conflict is categorized under disaster response.
Highlighting UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s past efforts in this direction, Vemuri emphasised that these rescue centres will serve as a milestone in minimising dangerous encounters and promoting harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.
