Uttarakhand Villagers Use Fire To Ward Off Tigers

Villagers in Uttarakhand's Nainital region are allegedly setting controlled forest fires to protect themselves from tigers and leopards encroaching on their settlements. This drastic measure stems from increasing instances of human-wildlife conflict, forcing local authorities to close schools and restrict movement after dark. Environmentalists note that even those avoiding forests are at risk, as animals stray into villages and homes. The forest department is stretched thin, managing both the fires and tracking dangerous wildlife, while vowing strict action against arsonists.

Residents have voiced their concerns, demanding concrete safety measures from the administration. They highlight the difficult choices faced by those whose livelihoods depend on forests and who must navigate these areas despite the risks. Former minister Harish Paneru emphasized that people take extreme steps when security and systems are lacking, impacting education with school closures just before board exams. The situation underscores a critical emergency where climate change, administrative neglect, and wildlife conflict intersect.