Concerns have escalated in the Kastigarh area of Doda district as reports of a female bear and her three cubs roaming the vicinity have led to attacks on local residents, raising significant safety concerns. The incidents have highlighted the growing conflict between human settlements and wildlife, especially during the ongoing harvesting season.
Local sources have revealed that the bears have been drawn to the region’s maize and fruit crops, seeking sustenance in the fields. This movement, however, has created a precarious situation for both the farming community, which relies on the crops for their livelihoods, and the bears themselves, who feel compelled to defend their territory by attacking humans.
Taking immediate action, Deputy Commissioner Doda, Vishesh Mahajan, convened a meeting with wildlife and forest officials to address the escalating situation. With the aim of restoring safety and normalcy to the affected area, Mahajan has tasked Wildlife Warden Kishtwar, Forest Officials, Police officials, and Village Defence Guards (VDGs) with formulating a comprehensive strategy for enhanced patrolling in the region.
The plan devised by the authorities includes two main courses of action. Wildlife officials have been instructed to either tranquilize and capture the female bear or encourage her to return to her natural habitat within the forested areas, thereby minimizing the risk to residential zones. Furthermore, District Forest Officer (DFO) Bhaderwah has been entrusted with the responsibility of disseminating awareness and advisories on the critical issue of human-wildlife conflict. These measures are intended to educate the local populace about preventive measures and safety protocols.
A coordinated effort has been established in the district, featuring the involvement of DFOs, Tehsildars, Wildlife Officials, and other relevant officers. This joint approach aims to efficiently manage and mitigate the ongoing human-wildlife conflict, with Wildlife Warden Kishtwar stationed in District Headquarters Doda to oversee the operation personally.
Despite repeated reports by The Chenab Times about the escalating issue, the concerned department’s inability to effectively manage the human-wildlife conflict has raised questions about the efficacy of existing measures. As the situation intensifies, the onus lies on the district’s wildlife and forest officials to restore a sense of security to the affected areas and pave the way for harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.
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Haseena Ayoob is a regular contributor of The Chenab Times.
