Shimla: A daylong hands-on training session was held at the Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre in Tutikandi. It was organized to equip the frontline staff of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively manage and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts in the state.
The workshop was a comprehensive guide on dealing with various types of incidents involving wild animals in rural, semi-urban, and urban areas across Himachal.
The forest officials, part of the Rapid Rescue Teams stationed throughout Himachal Pradesh, were given practical demonstrations on using a Remote Drug Delivery System, often referred to as Tranquilizing Guns.
This system is vital for chemical capture and restraint of wild animals when necessary.
In addition to tranquilizing guns, the training covered the use of other essential tools and equipment, including trap cameras, metal detectors, nets, and smart sticks.
These resources are crucial in handling emergent situations when wild animals are in distress or causing conflicts with humans.
The workshop's primary goal was to prepare forest officials to respond effectively and swiftly to situations involving wild animals. It's all about ensuring the safety of both humans and wildlife in these critical moments.
An important aspect addressed during the training was the sensitivity and the implementation of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 during rescue operations, emphasizing the need to protect wildlife in compliance with the law.
Leading this initiative was the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests for Wildlife, Mr. Anil Thakur, who shared valuable insights and guidance with the participants.
The workshop also had resource persons in the form of Wildlife Veterinary Officers, including Dr. Karan Sehgal, Dr. Namita, and Dr. Rohit Sharma, who demonstrated essential techniques and procedures to the eager participants.
What made this workshop stand out was its commitment to environmental sustainability. Following the directions of Sh. Rajiv Kumar, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), the entire event was conducted electronically, without any paper waste.
From registration to the distribution of certificates to the participants, everything was efficiently managed using quick response codes, showcasing a dedication to modern technology and environmental consciousness.
In the end, this hands-on training was a pivotal step in ensuring that forest officials were well-prepared to handle emergencies involving wild animals, promoting the coexistence of humans and wildlife in Himachal Pradesh.
