Lucknow,

24 June (HS): The Uttar Pradesh Forest and Wildlife Department said on Tuesday

that the government is creating four sophisticated rescue centers in Meerut,

Pilibhit, Maharajganj, and Chitrakoot to manage the growing number of

encounters between people and large animals such as tigers, leopards, and

jackals. These centers are strategically positioned in Western Uttar Pradesh,

Terai, Awadh, and Bundelkhand to safely shelter wild animals that wander into

human areas, according to a release. This effort aims to safeguard animals

while also ensuring the safety of humans who live in forest regions, it said.

According

to Chief Forest Conservator Anuradha Vemuri, rescue centres are being created

in Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary (Meerut), Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Sohagibarwa

Wildlife Sanctuary (Maharajganj), and Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary (Chitrakoot).

The

state government has allocated Rs 57.20 crore for the project, which is being

carried out by Construction and Design Services (CNDS). Vemuri stated that the majority of

construction is already complete, and operations will begin soon when staffing

and equipment arrangements are finalized.

These

rescue centers have sophisticated amenities such as treatment units, quarantine

zones, watch towers, housing complexes, and training rooms. They are intended to give immediate

assistance, treatment, and rehabilitation for caught wild animals. Vemuri stated that the State Disaster Response

Force (SDRF) will give manpower and support because human-wildlife conflict is

classified as a catastrophe.

Highlighting

Chief Minister Yogi's previous efforts in this area, Vemuri stated that these

rescue centers will be a watershed moment in reducing harmful human-animal

interactions and encouraging harmonious coexistence between humans and

wildlife.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi