Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Aga Syed Mujtaba Musavi on August 1 chaired a review meeting to assess the recent incidents of human-brown bear conflict reported from various parts of Kargil district, particularly the Sankoo sub-division, and reviewed measures to safeguard both human lives and wildlife.

The meeting was attended by District Sheep Husbandry Officer Dr. Niyaz-ul-Hassanain, Wildlife Warden Raza Ali Abidi, and Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim from the Animal Husbandry Department. The participants reviewed recent incidents, shared field observations, and discussed ways to strengthen inter-departmental coordination in addressing the issue.

Expressing concern over the losses suffered by livestock owners, the Executive Councillor stressed the need for timely assistance to affected families. He directed the concerned departments to simplify and expedite the compensation process while focusing on long-term measures to minimise the movement of brown bears towards human settlements.

During the meeting, Wildlife Warden Raza Ali Abidi briefed the Executive Councillor on the steps being taken by the Wildlife Department. He informed that surveillance has been intensified in vulnerable areas, field staff and Rapid Response Teams have been deployed, night patrolling has been strengthened, and control rooms are functioning round the clock to ensure prompt response to bear sightings and emergencies.

He also appealed to the public to immediately report bear sightings and cooperate with field staff to help prevent untoward incidents.

The Executive Councillor emphasised the importance of creating greater public awareness about safety measures in bear-prone areas. He directed the Wildlife Department to conduct awareness campaigns at the village level and through social media so that people are better informed about precautionary measures and the appropriate response during bear encounters.

Aga Syed Mujtaba Musavi called for sustained coordination among all concerned departments, stating that effective management of human-wildlife conflict requires a collective effort to protect both local livelihoods and the region's rich wildlife heritage.