Press Release
Press Release from the Wildlife Division West, Forest and Environment Department
Information & Public Relations Department
Report on Distribution of Ex-Gratia Compensation for Livestock Losses at the Fringe of Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, Soreng Range.
Soreng, West Sikkim: In a significant step towards mitigating human-wildlife conflict, the West Wildlife Division under the supervision of DFO Wildlife West Ms Nisha Subba conducted a program for the distribution of ex-gratia compensation to villagers affected by livestock depredation at the fringe areas of the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary on 26th March 2026.
The event was organised at Wildlife Soreng Range Office to provide financial relief to farmers whose cattle and livestock were killed by wild animals such as leopards and Himalayan black bears. A total of 47 beneficiaries from nearby villages received compensation in accordance with government norms, following proper verification and field assessment by forest officials.
Addressing the gathering, DFO emphasised the importance of community cooperation in wildlife conservation and assured that timely compensation would continue to be a priority to reduce economic hardship faced by villagers. She also highlighted preventive measures, such as improved livestock enclosures, stall feeding, and vigilance during grazing hours, to minimise such incidents.
Local residents expressed appreciation for the prompt assistance provided by the department, noting that such initiatives help build trust and encourage coexistence with wildlife.
The program reflects the Forest Department’s continued commitment to balancing conservation efforts with the welfare of communities living in close proximity to protected areas. Authorities reiterated that conservation success depends not only on protecting wildlife but also on ensuring that the concerns of local people are addressed effectively.
Efforts are ongoing to strengthen awareness, improve response mechanisms, and promote sustainable practices in the region to reduce human-wildlife conflict in the long term.
Soreng, West Sikkim: In a significant step towards mitigating human-wildlife conflict, the West Wildlife Division under the supervision of DFO Wildlife West Ms Nisha Subba conducted a program for the distribution of ex-gratia compensation to villagers affected by livestock depredation at the fringe areas of the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary on 26th March 2026.
The event was organised at Wildlife Soreng Range Office to provide financial relief to farmers whose cattle and livestock were killed by wild animals such as leopards and Himalayan black bears. A total of 47 beneficiaries from nearby villages received compensation in accordance with government norms, following proper verification and field assessment by forest officials.
Addressing the gathering, DFO emphasised the importance of community cooperation in wildlife conservation and assured that timely compensation would continue to be a priority to reduce economic hardship faced by villagers. She also highlighted preventive measures, such as improved livestock enclosures, stall feeding, and vigilance during grazing hours, to minimise such incidents.
Local residents expressed appreciation for the prompt assistance provided by the department, noting that such initiatives help build trust and encourage coexistence with wildlife.
The program reflects the Forest Department’s continued commitment to balancing conservation efforts with the welfare of communities living in close proximity to protected areas. Authorities reiterated that conservation success depends not only on protecting wildlife but also on ensuring that the concerns of local people are addressed effectively.
Efforts are ongoing to strengthen awareness, improve response mechanisms, and promote sustainable practices in the region to reduce human-wildlife conflict in the long term.
