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Uttarakhand Villagers Use Fire To Ward Off Tigers
22 Jan
Summary
- Villagers set wildfires to deter tigers and leopards straying into settlements.
- Schools closed due to rising human-wildlife conflict incidents.
- Forest department faces dual challenge of fires and wildlife tracking.
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.
