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Balrampur.

The Forest Department has increased vigilance to curb the incidents of human-wildlife conflict in Sohelwa Wildlife Division and to protect the villagers. Forest department teams are continuously patrolling sensitive areas. Villagers are being informed about measures to protect themselves from wildlife through loudspeakers, pamphlets and brochures. Camera traps have been installed at sensitive places to keep an eye on the activities of suspicious wildlife.

On August 24, in Khadgaura village under Rampur range, information was received about attack by wildlife on 83 sheep of Vijaypal and Kanhaiyalal, sons of Banwari Lal, residents of Gasdi police station area. As soon as the information was received, the Forest Department team reached the spot and conducted on-site inspection of the incident site. According to officials, investigation of the track found on the spot confirmed that it was the track of a hyena instead of a leopard.

After the incident, as a precaution, the Forest Department has formed a special team for 24-hour continuous monitoring in the area and to make the villagers aware. The team is continuously patrolling the incident site and surrounding areas. Pamphlets and brochures are being distributed to the villagers giving them information about the precautions to be taken and what to do and what not to do in case of sighting of wildlife.

The Forest Department has installed camera traps at the incident site and nearby sensitive places. Along with this, monitoring is also being done by placing cages in the area in anticipation of necessary permission. Departmental teams are continuously monitoring the activities of wildlife and immediate action is being taken on any information.

Animal herders will get compensation as per rules

The department has also started taking action to provide assistance as per rules to the cattle herders affected by loss of animals due to wildlife attacks. The proposal for payment of ex-gratia amount permissible under the government order has been sent to the competent level. As soon as the budget is received, action will be taken to make payment to the affected cattle farmers as per rules.

The Forest Department has appealed to the villagers not to pay heed to any kind of rumor regarding wildlife and not to get unnecessarily scared. Avoid unnecessary entry into the forest area and immediately inform the forest department if you see wildlife or get information about its activity.