Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu,(DD): In the past two years, 32 people have lost their lives and 269 others have been injured in incidents of man-animal conflict across Jammu and Kashmir, the government disclosed on Saturday.
Responding to a query from MLA Mir Saifullah, the government stated that Rs 2.76 crore has been disbursed as compensation to victims and their families during this period.
According to the Minister In-charge of Forest, Ecology, and Environment, 16 deaths were recorded in 2023-24, with another 16 in 2024-25. The number of injuries stood at 124 in 2023-24 and 145 in 2024-25.
Refuting claims that victims’ families were not compensated, the Minister clarified that payments were made under government order No. 139 JK (FST) of 2023, dated June 28, 2023. A total of Rs 1.21 crore was disbursed in 2023-24, while Rs 1.55 crore was provided in 2024-25, bringing the total compensation to Rs 2.76 crore.
The rising number of human-wildlife encounters highlights the urgent need for improved conflict mitigation strategies and conservation efforts in the region.(DD)