Keep surroundings clean to prevent man-animal conflict

The reports of leopard sightings in the human habitations have been pouring in from different areas of Srinagar outskirts from the past nearly one week, giving tough times to the local residents, who have to keep themselves confined in the residential houses or either come out in the groups only. Some recent reports have been received from Malabagh and its adjacent areas while in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, leopard sightings have been verified several times where man-animal conflict has also occurred. Amidst the disturbing reports, the government has impressed on orchestrating well-knitted strategies and making coordinated efforts to tackle the attacks by wild animals especially by leopards and bears across the valley. It has been reportedly emphasized on filtration of information regarding sighting of wild animals to curb rumors and disinformation so the wildlife teams remain focused and the resources do not get overburdened. Building close coordination between district administrations, Police, Wildlife Department, Community Leaders, Lumberdars, Chowkidars and shepherds is imperative at this juncture to process the factual information and capture the wild animals. However, at this juncture, one needs to understand that keeping the surroundings neat and clean will help in preventing such animals from entering into their habitats. It doesn’t stand the responsibility of the common masses only, but the local administration has to play a key role in this regard to keep the areas clean from litter and dispose-off waste in a proper manner so the stray dogs do not get attracted to the habitations. It is believed that the leopards prey on stray dogs for food because of which they visit habitations. Therefore, the authorities concerned need to take necessary measures in this regard to ensure that the man-animal conflict is put to an end.