Sikkim Forest Department and Global Tiger Forum Handover Token letters for Greenhouse construction and Ex-gratia/relief payment as Mitigation measure for Human-Wildlife Conflict Management

Gangtok, February 15: The State Forest and Environment Department, in collaboration with the Global Tiger Forum (GTF), conducted token distribution of allotment letters for Greenhouse construction, Fencing works and Ex-gratia/ relief payment to the affected communities under Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary.
This was carried out in response to the growing Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) resulting from increased forest cover and strengthened biodiversity in the state. These interventions are part of a comprehensive effort to reduce crop damage, livestock loss, and other challenges posed by wildlife in conflict-prone areas, particularly tiger habitats.
Hon’ble MP Dr. Indra Hang Subba presided over the event along with the officials of the Forest Department and representatives of Global Tiger Forum in the Blue Duke Festival in Saramsa Garden.
This initiative is part of the project titled Investigating and Addressing Tiger Conservation in Sikkim – Eastern Himalayas under the IUCN-KfW-supported Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme (ITHCP), which promotes coexistence and ecological balance.
As part of efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflict (HWC), 20 greenhouses were sanctioned , within that 5 token allotment letters were handed over through our Hon’ble MP to areas with high incidences of such conflicts, including Dalapchand, Regu Dara, Dockin, Premlakha, and Singaneybas. Fencing repair materials allotment certificate were also provided to Singaneybas and South Regu. These interventions aim to support affected communities by providing greenhouse structures to help farmers sustain their livelihoods despite wildlife-related damages, strengthening and repairing fences along forest fringes to reduce wildlife incursions into human settlements, and enhancing ex-gratia/relief payments to ensure timely financial support for individuals impacted by wildlife interactions.

The Forest Department remains committed to sustainable conservation while addressing the challenges posed by increasing wildlife presence near human habitations. Further measures, including awareness campaigns, habitat management, and community-based monitoring, are also being explored to foster long-term coexistence.