Second Fatal Big Cat Attack in Haldwani Within 15 Days Sparks Urgent Action
A 55-year-old woman was tragically killed in a big cat attack in the Fatehpur forest area of Haldwani on Tuesday, marking the second such fatal incident in just 15 days. This alarming recurrence has triggered fresh and urgent concerns over the escalating human-wildlife conflict in the Nainital region, prompting immediate administrative intervention.
Victim's Fatal Foray into the Forest
The victim, identified as Kamla Fartyal, had ventured into the Paniyali area under the Fatehpur forest range around 9 am to collect fodder. When she failed to return by noon, her concerned family initiated a search. They discovered her lifeless body nearly 2 kilometers deep inside the dense forest, a grim testament to the dangers lurking in the vicinity.
Public Outrage and Official Assurances
Angered by the loss, local residents staged a protest that lasted approximately one hour. In their grief and frustration, they initially refused to allow police to take the body for a postmortem examination, demanding the immediate killing of the animal responsible. The protest was eventually withdrawn after officials provided firm assurances that concrete and decisive action would be taken to address the threat.
District Administration's Comprehensive Response
With tensions rising rapidly, Nainital District Magistrate Lalit Mohan Rayal issued immediate and stringent directives to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Ramnagar. The orders mandate an intensification of operations to track the suspected man-eater. A multi-pronged strategy has been deployed, including:
- Continuous tracking and monitoring of the animal.
- Deployment of advanced technology such as camera traps, drones, and thermal imaging equipment.
- A coordinated tranquillisation or capture operation led by wildlife experts.
- Seeking high-level approvals for deploying a professional shooter if deemed necessary.
Furthermore, officials have made round-the-clock patrolling mandatory in villages bordering forest areas. Quick Response Teams (QRTs) are to be stationed immediately for rapid intervention. The administration has also ordered public announcements to alert residents, imposed restrictions on unnecessary movement after dark, and implemented crowd-control measures through joint operations involving revenue officials and police personnel.
Accountability and Compensation Measures
District Magistrate Rayal has demanded a detailed report on the actions taken following the previous fatal attack, explicitly warning that any negligence would invite strict accountability. A joint control room, comprising officials from revenue, police, and forest departments, has been established to monitor the situation continuously, with daily progress reports now mandated. In a move to provide some solace, immediate relief compensation for the victim's family has also been ordered.
Forest Department's Assessment and Appeal
DFO Ramnagar, Dhruv Martolia, confirmed that the body had been recovered and sent for postmortem. "She had gone alone deep into the forest. The animal had partially consumed the body. We are installing camera traps and cages. We are yet to confirm whether it was a tiger or a leopard," he stated. Martolia added that permission to tranquillise the animal had already been secured after the earlier incident, with teams and veterinarians already deployed. He issued a stern appeal, urging residents to avoid venturing alone into forest areas for their own safety.
Political Criticism and Warnings
Meanwhile, local Congress functionary Neeraj Tiwari has accused the administration of "repeated inaction" in the face of this growing crisis. He issued a stark warning, threatening an indefinite lockout at the Fatehpur forest range office if immediate and effective steps are not taken. Tiwari asserted that the forest department would be held directly responsible for any further casualties, highlighting the political pressure mounting on authorities to resolve this deadly conflict.
