A tragic road accident involving a nilgai, or blue bull, has resulted in the death of a local priest in Dewas district, bringing the critical issue of unchecked herbivore populations back into sharp focus. The incident occurred on Sunday evening at Churlai Phata and has intensified calls for the state government to escalate its wildlife management strategies in the Dewas-Shajapur region.
Details of the Tragic Accident
The victim was identified as Gopal Upadhyay, a resident of Kheda Khajuria who served as a priest. The accident happened as he was returning home to Barai with his wife, Madhubala Upadhyay, and his three-year-old grandson, Parth Upadhyay, after attending a function. Reports indicate that Upadhyay's motorcycle collided with a nilgai that suddenly came onto the road.
A Persistent Problem for Motorists and Farmers
This fatal event underscores a dual crisis in the area: the severe risk to motorists and the extensive crop damage suffered by local farmers. The region is home to thousands of nilgai and black buck, whose growing numbers have long been a source of conflict. The animals frequently stray onto roads, creating hazardous driving conditions, and raid agricultural fields, leading to significant economic losses for the farming community.
Government's Proactive Response: The BOMA Technique
In a proactive move to address this persistent issue, the state government recently launched a pilot project employing a specialised method known as the BOMA technique. This innovative approach involves using a light helicopter and a team of experts to humanely herd and capture the animals. For the initial phase, the government enlisted a team of 15 experts from South Africa to implement the strategy.
The pilot project has already yielded significant results. Authorities have successfully captured a total of 846 black bucks and 67 nilgai using this method. This initiative represents a critical step toward mitigating human-wildlife conflict in the region by managing the herbivore population more effectively and humanely.
The death of Gopal Upadhyay has reignited urgency for the state to scale up these wildlife management efforts, transforming a local tragedy into a catalyst for broader environmental and public safety action.
