The Bharmour Forest Division in Himachal Pradesh has initiated a comprehensive awareness campaign and implemented enhanced preventive measures to mitigate the escalating human-wildlife conflict, particularly concerning the Himalayan black bear. The initiative focuses on fostering safe coexistence between local communities and wildlife through a multi-pronged strategy involving infrastructure development, habitat restoration, and active community engagement.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that underscored the growing concerns in forest-fringe villages, where human-bear encounters have led to crop damage, livestock losses, and, tragically, loss of life. Forest officials recently engaged with residents of Khanni village to address these issues, acknowledging the severity of the problem and discussing collaborative solutions.
Rajneesh Mahajan, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Bharmour, stated that the department is adopting an integrated approach to minimize conflict while prioritizing the conservation of wildlife. He emphasized the importance of improving natural food sources within forest areas, reducing the availability of human-related attractants in settlements, and educating villagers on crucial safety precautions to prevent escalating encounters.
The gravity of the situation was highlighted by recalling a fatal incident from the previous year where a woman was killed by a Himalayan black bear while she was working in her field. Another woman suffered an attack while walking a path near her residence. Reports also indicate frequent instances of livestock predation, regular sightings of bears in proximity to habitations, and considerable damage to fruit orchards and maize crops.
To bolster safety, the forest department plans to install additional Animal Intrusion Detection and Repellent Systems (ANIDERS) in identified vulnerable areas. These systems are designed to detect and deter bears from approaching human settlements. Furthermore, the department will undertake the planting of indigenous wild fruit-bearing species in forest patches adjacent to villages prone to conflict. The aim is to enrich the natural food availability for bears, thereby discouraging them from venturing into orchards and agricultural fields.
Information boards, detailing essential safety guidelines and outlining recommended actions and prohibitions, will be strategically placed in villages to ensure widespread dissemination of critical information. Officials also stressed the importance of effective orchard management. They observed that in some orchards, lower-grade apples remained unharvested after the main harvest, and fallen fruit was left scattered on the ground, acting as a significant attractant for bears, which encourages repeated visits.
Orchard owners have been advised to promptly collect all fallen fruit, ensure timely harvesting of any remaining apples, and, where commercially viable, supply C-grade produce to the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC). Villagers have also been cautioned against improper disposal of livestock carcasses, such as dumping them in forests or near homes. Such practices attract bears and can alter their natural feeding behaviours. They have been instructed to follow the prescribed procedures for carcass disposal.
Residents were strongly advised against walking alone on forest paths, especially during early morning and evening hours, times when bear activity is often heightened. They were encouraged to travel in groups, make sufficient noise to alert wildlife of their presence, and remain vigilant at all times. In the event of a bear sighting, individuals are urged to maintain a safe distance and refrain from approaching, chasing, provoking, or feeding the animal. Secure enclosures for livestock at night and the avoidance of food waste accumulation near houses and cattle sheds were also emphasized as critical preventive measures.
The DFO also drew attention to the detrimental impact of forest fires on wildlife habitats. Such fires destroy essential vegetation, food sources, and shelter, often forcing animals to seek refuge in human settlements. Villagers were implored not to start forest fires and to promptly report any instances of deliberate burning to the authorities.
Farmers were informed about the availability of fencing assistance for agricultural land bordering forests, facilitated by the Agriculture Department. Individual farmers can receive a subsidy of 75 percent for fencing, while community-based fencing projects are eligible for 85 percent assistance, subject to the specific guidelines of the respective schemes.
The Divisional Forest Officer appealed to the villagers to actively participate in conflict prevention efforts. They were encouraged to promptly report any bear sightings, unusual wildlife movements, or any attacks on humans or livestock to forest officials, ensuring a swift and coordinated response.
The Chenab Times News Desk