Dehradun, October 3: The Uttarakhand government has increased the financial assistance provided to families of victims killed in wildlife attacks. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami made the announcement on Friday, raising the compensation from the existing ₹6 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
Speaking at the inauguration of Wildlife Week celebrations at Dehradun Zoo, Dhami said the state had seen a significant rise in the population of tigers, leopards, elephants, and snow leopards due to conservation efforts. However, this increase has also intensified the challenge of human-wildlife conflict. To address the issue, he stressed the use of modern technology such as drones and GPS to improve monitoring and protection of wildlife.
Dhami highlighted that the government is creating new livelihood opportunities for local communities so they can actively participate in forest conservation and wildlife protection. He added that the state is working to train and empower one lakh youths as “CM Young Eco-preneurs,” offering avenues in eco-tourism, nature guiding, drone piloting, wildlife photography, and other environment-linked enterprises.
Currently, about 14.77% of Uttarakhand’s land is under protection, with six national parks, seven wildlife sanctuaries, and four conservation reserves. The chief minister noted that the state’s greenery and free-roaming wildlife attract millions of tourists every year from across India and abroad.
Dhami emphasized the government’s commitment to balancing “economy, ecology, and technology” while pursuing sustainable development and protecting natural resources. He urged the Forest Department to identify at least one new tourist spot in each district that can be developed without disturbing its natural character.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for “Lifestyle for Environment,” Dhami appealed to all tourists visiting Uttarakhand to avoid littering during jungle safaris or pilgrimages, ensuring the state’s pristine natural beauty remains intact.
