Farmers and local hunters argue that these rules have removed the incentive for traditional hunters to assist them.
Wild Boar Attacks Threaten Winter Harvest Across Punjab
Farmers across Punjab’s Kandi and Malwa belts are facing a crisis as wild boars continue to ruin standing crops. The Punjab Wildlife Department has now assured that it will review hunting norms following concerns raised by farmer unions.
According to a report, the current guidelines issued in 2023 allow for the hunting of wild animals causing crop damage, but with strict caveats: only .315 bore rifles can be used, and the hunter is prohibited from consuming the carcass. Instead, the remains must be cremated or buried by the Wildlife Department.
Farmers and local hunters argue that these rules have removed the incentive for traditional hunters to assist them.
Rawail Singh, a farmer from Anandpur Sahib, told The Tribune that "getting compensation is a tough procedure" and that with recent changes in norms, "not many hunters are willing to help."
Traditional hunters like Sherry Ghumman said that the 2023 rule requiring the carcass to be buried or cremated has led to "limited interest" in helping farmers. Hunter Karanjit Sandhu added that getting the necessary permits is "easier said than done."
Chief Wildlife Warden Basanta Raj Kumar has acknowledged these grievances and said that the department will discuss "genuine demands", including relaxing the ban on carcass consumption, with the state government.
While the department provides compensation for crop damage, the current legal and procedural hurdles remain a significant challenge for the farming community.
Source: The Tribune
