A total of 3,092 nilgai, commonly known as blue bulls, have been killed in Bihar during the financial year 2025-26. The department of environment, forest and climate change intensified its actions to protect crops from animal attacks.
Special Powers Granted to Gram Panchayat Heads
The department has granted special powers to gram panchayat heads, allowing them to authorise the hunting of up to 50 blue bulls at a time. Officials stated that this move was taken to address the repeated crop damage reported by farmers in several districts.
According to a press release from the government, 13 trained shooters have been enlisted for the operation so far. More shooters will be appointed based on the requirement in affected areas.
District-Wise Breakdown of Nilgai Killings
Department data reveals that the highest number of blue bulls were hunted in Gopalganj and Siwan districts, where the combined figure reached 1,300. Vaishali recorded 1,052 killings, followed by Munger with 204, Nalanda with 165, Begusarai with 149, Motihari with 94, Saran with 70, Samastipur with 39, Gaya with 12, and Darbhanga with seven.
Impact on Agriculture and Legislative Concerns
Officials noted that blue bulls and wild boars frequently enter agricultural fields, causing extensive crop losses and financial hardship for farmers across the state. The issue of crop destruction by these animals has been a recurring topic in the state assembly and council, with legislators highlighting the severe damage in various parts of Bihar.
Districts such as Vaishali, East Champaran, Buxar, Siwan, and Samastipur are among the most affected by blue bulls. During the budget session earlier this year, the state government announced a sterilisation programme to curb the population of blue bulls in Bihar.
