KARGIL: Ladakh is famous for its biological diversity. However, conservation of this biodiversity is a major challenge in the context of climate change impacts and developmental changes in the area. The biodiversity of Ladakh is managed by J&K Wildlife Department with a division each in Leh and Kargil. Unfortunately, Wildlife Department, Kargil remains deeply understaffed with three permanent officials and 20 casual workers who are responsible for a landscape spread across 14,000 sq km.
This acute shortage of manpower is a severe constraint on biodiversity conservation activities in the region. Wildlife Warden, Kargil, Shahzad Ahmed acknowledged that one of the major challenges faced by his department is the severe shortage of manpower. He stated this during an interview with correspondent, in the context of the recent instance of human wildlife conflict in Bodh Kharbo, which resulted in the death of livestock.
“In an effort to prevent this conflict, I have personally supervised the distribution of fire crackers to every village facing such conflicts. The fire crackers help drive away animals such as brown bears and snow leopards,” Shahzad Ahmed explained. He added that he has returned from Zangskar after inspecting the implementation of such conflict mitigation measures.
Shahzad Ahmed said that his staff members are doing their best to work with local villagers to address incidences of human-wildlife conflict in Kargil. However, the entire district is manned by three Permanent and about 20 casual labourers. “This team is responsible for conserving endangered species spread across the district. Given the shortage of staff, we have not been able to reach all the villages that have reported such incidences of conflict,” he added.
He further added that despite being rich in biodiversity, not a single protected area has been notified in Kargil to conserve the environment. According to official documents, seven wildlife sanctuaries and two wildlife reserves were proposed in 1979 but no follow up action has been taken in this regard. Shahzad Ahmed also explained that the department is compensating villagers who lose livestock to large carnivores and this year only 31 farmers has been compensated with around 2.50 Lakh rupees.“The villagers have complained that the compensation is very low. I have discussed this issue with Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Vikas Kundal, who has promised to enhance the compensation after constituting a committee soon,” he added.
He explained that after he assumed charge as Wildlife Warden, Kargil, he has written several letters to higher authorities to enhance the staff strength and follow up on the proposal to create protected areas for biodiversity conservation. “I hope to receive some positive results soon,” he added.