Man-Eater Leopards Cause Havoc in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh: 25 Lives Lost in Over a Year

In Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor district, over 60,000 residents across 85 villages are living in fear due to a surge in leopard attacks. The man-eating leopards, which are estimated to number around 500 in the area, have claimed 25 lives in the past 18 months, creating a severe crisis for local communities.

Despite the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department's efforts, including the installation of 107 traps and an ongoing operation to capture these predators, the situation remains dire. Residents continue to live in constant fear, with many forced to remain indoors after dark.

Pilana: A village in Peril

Pilana, a once lively village in Bijnor’s Chandpur tehsil, now presents a stark contrast to its former vibrancy. The streets, once bustling with activity, have become eerily quiet. The village, once filled with children playing and adults engaging in daily activities, now stands deserted as the fear of leopard attacks grips its residents.

Kuldeep Mudgal, a local from Pilana, describes the drastic change: “Our village seems cursed now. We were once the happiest village in Chandpur tehsil, but everything has changed since the leopards started attacking.” He notes that the first man-animal conflict reported in january 2023 marked the beginning of the village's troubles, which have since become a regular occurrence.

Widespread Threat

The problem extends beyond Pilana. According to the UP Forest Department, 87 villages in four tehsils of Bijnor are classified as hypersensitive due to frequent leopard sightings and conflicts. These villages, located 8 to 15 kilometers from dense forest areas, are advised to avoid venturing out alone and to use radios or mobile phones for noise deterrence.

Recent Incident

The most recent fatality occurred on august 29, when a 30-year-old farmer, Brijpal Saini, was killed while collecting fodder. The farmer’s family heard a scream and, upon investigation, found his half-eaten body in the fields after a prolonged search. This incident underscores the ongoing threat faced by locals.

Forest Department's Efforts

The UP Forest Department, led by Divisional Forest Officer Gyan Singh, has mobilized a team of foresters and intensified their efforts to capture the man-eating leopards. Despite these measures, attacks on villagers continue, indicating the severity of the situation and the challenge of controlling the leopard menace in the region.
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Sudha Subbiah

13/09/2024 04:56 PM