Bio-fences to Curb Man-Animal Conflict | 19 Sep 2019

Recently, the Uttarakhand government has decided to carry out bio-fencing by growing various species of plants in the areas.

  • The purpose is to,
    • Reduce the man-animal conflict,
    • Prevent wild animals from entering residential areas, and
    • Protect agricultural crops and livestock in areas adjoining the forests.
  • According to officials, lemongrass, agave, rambans, and certain species of chilly and some other plant species have been identified to be grown in areas where wild animals enter residential areas and near forests.
  • So far, the state Forest Department had been using traditional methods like solar-powered wire fencings, walls and pits in the woods to prevent the entry of elephants, wild boars, tigers, leopards and others in residential areas.
  • Bio-fencing will be economical and environment-friendly as compared to the other methods.
    • It is an innovative measure for curbing the man-animal conflict.
    • The farmers can also earn by growing lemongrass- which is a good source of oil.
    • Bio-fencing will help in saving the money that the government spends on building walls, digging pits and solar-powered wire fencing.

Source: IE