Compensation Crosses Rs 82 Lakh as Conflict Rises
The Mandi Forest Circle in Himachal Pradesh has witnessed 376 human-wildlife conflict incidents between April 1, 2020 and September 30, 2025, according to data from the office of the Conservator of Forests (Territorial), Mandi. The Forest Department disbursed compensation totaling Rs 82.72 lakh for human injuries and livestock losses during this period.
Of the total incidents, 28 involved injuries to humans, for which Rs 17.52 lakh was paid. The highest compensation for human injuries was in 2022-23, when Rs 4.75 lakh was disbursed. In 2024-25, two injury cases received Rs 18,466. Up to September 2025, two human injury cases were reported with Rs 1.5 lakh already paid.
Livestock Depredation Dominates Conflict Data
Livestock losses accounted for 348 cases, with compensation of Rs 65.20 lakh paid. The year 2024-25 saw the highest number of livestock loss cases at 75, with Rs 13.42 lakh disbursed. Previous years ranged between 53 and 61 cases annually, indicating a persistent pattern. Up to September 2025, 43 livestock loss cases were registered, with Rs 5.80 lakh paid.
Forest officials attributed the rise to habitat pressure, seasonal migration, and shrinking buffer zones between forests and villages. Deputy Conservator of Forests, Mandi, Vasu Dogra stated, "The department remains committed to providing timely compensation to affected families in accordance with government guidelines."
Mitigation Measures Intensified
Efforts are being intensified through awareness campaigns, habitat management, and preventive measures in vulnerable areas. The department is strengthening rapid response mechanisms and encouraging community participation to minimize losses. Officials emphasized that mitigating human-wildlife conflict is a key component of Himachal’s forest management strategy, especially in ecologically sensitive regions like Mandi where human settlements and wildlife habitats increasingly overlap.
