In a proactive move by the Chhattisgarh Forest and Climate Change Department, a special public awareness campaign was conducted in the Gariaband Forest Division to address rising human-wildlife conflicts and foster sustained vigilance among villagers. The initiative aimed to safeguard human lives while ensuring wildlife protection. The event took place in the Panduka forest range and Piparchhedi sub-range, where experts briefed villagers on potential wildlife threats, safety measures, practical steps during conflicts, and government compensation schemes. To make the campaign engaging and accessible, messages were disseminated through art illustrations, posters, and paintings. Folk dance performances delivered awareness in simple language, drawing remarkable participation from villagers and transforming the event into a mass movement. Chief guest for the program was Forest Division Officer Shashigaanand, special guest Janpad President Meera Thakur, and distinguished guest Earth Retreat Foundation founder Anubha Upadhyay attended.

 

In his address, Shashigaanand emphasized balancing human and wildlife needs. “Human safety and wildlife conservation are our top priorities. Secure forests mean secure environment and human lives,” he stated firmly. He urged villagers to fence open wells and water bodies, stay alert in forests, report wildlife sightings immediately, and noted the state’s compensation provisions, with department teams reaching villages regularly. The ‘Earth Retreat Foundation’ NGO played a key role, providing support in outreach, training, and activities. Founder Anubha trained villagers on securing open wells, water sources, and hazardous spots; promptly reporting wildlife activity to the forest department; accessing government compensation for incidents or attacks; and practical skills like making incense from flowers and leaf plates. Strengthening environmental conservation, the NGO organized tree plantation, with officials, elected representatives, and villagers planting saplings and pledging forest protection. Anubha in her address said “empowered communities are the key to safe lives and protected forests. Lasting solutions to human-wildlife conflicts require collaboration between the forest department, villagers, and NGOs, with our full support.” Forest range officers, deputy rangers, departmental staff, and numerous villagers participated.