Leopard Strikes Again in Nainital Village, Woman Attacked in Cowshed
A 42-year-old woman faced a terrifying leopard attack inside her cowshed in Khutiyakhal village, Dhari block, Nainital district on Monday. This incident occurred just one day after another woman lost her life to a leopard in the same village. Shockingly, this represents the third fatal attack within a single week, plunging the community into deep fear and desperation.
Villagers Submit Memorandum, Urge Disaster Declaration
Frustrated residents have taken action by submitting a formal memorandum to the sub-divisional magistrate. They are urgently requesting the administration to declare the escalating situation a disaster. This move, they argue, would trigger accountability and mobilize essential emergency relief, prevention measures, and compensation mechanisms.
According to local accounts, Tari Devi was working inside her cowshed when the leopard attacked her. Fortunately, her cattle became agitated, causing the animal to flee the scene. Devi was found unconscious and remained in a state of shock for several hours following the traumatic event.
Atmosphere of Fear Grips the Community
Residents report hearing the leopard growling throughout the day, indicating the animal is now entering human settlements without any apparent fear. The repeated attacks and deaths have created a palpable atmosphere of terror in the area.
- Women, children, and elderly individuals are now confined indoors after dusk for their safety.
- Farmers are struggling to protect their livestock and access their fields, fearing further encounters.
- The entire community feels trapped and vulnerable as the leopard continues to roam freely.
Key Demands from the Villagers
In the memorandum submitted by resident and eco-activist Chandan Singh Nayal, villagers have outlined several critical demands to address the crisis:
- Capture or Neutralization: They demand the immediate capture or neutralization of the leopard by wildlife experts.
- Coordinated Action: They seek a coordinated response from the forest department, police, and revenue authorities.
- Disaster Relief: Financial compensation for victims' families under disaster relief norms, along with free fodder and firewood distribution to prevent forest entry.
- Livelihood Support: Government employment or alternative livelihood support for at least one member of each affected family.
- Safety Measures: Installation of solar street lights along forest edges, pathways, and vulnerable habitations to improve night-time safety and monitor wildlife movement.
The villagers emphasized that while they understand the importance of wildlife conservation, it is unacceptable for maneaters to roam freely and endanger human lives. They warned that delayed and fragmented responses only worsen the situation and erode public confidence.
Forest Department Responds to the Crisis
Divisional Forest Officer Aakash Gangwar provided an update on the situation. He confirmed that forest department teams have been deployed and are actively tracking pugmarks in the area.
"We are investigating all locations where villagers claim to have heard leopard growls, though no animal has been tracked there so far," Gangwar stated.
He added that funds have been received from the State Disaster Response Fund through the District Magistrate. Distribution of fodder and firewood will soon begin in sensitive villages to deter people from entering forest areas.
"We are using social media and other platforms to urge villagers not to go into forest areas. Every call from villagers is being taken seriously — even rumours are being verified," said Gangwar.
The department has reinforced its manpower by deploying staff from nearby divisions, including soil conservation units in Ranikhet, Nainital, and Ramnagar. A dedicated team is now stationed in Dhari, and night patrolling has been intensified to enhance security.
Growing Ecological Concerns and Ultimatum
The memorandum also highlighted growing risks of forest fires, noting that fear-driven actions and unchecked encroachments are damaging biodiversity and wildlife habitats. With the dry season approaching, villagers warned that ecological damage could become irreversible if not addressed promptly.
Residents have issued a clear ultimatum: if no concrete action is taken within five days, they will stage a protest across the Dhari tehsil. Copies of their appeal have been sent to the Chief Minister, Forest Minister, senior forest officials, and the District Magistrate of Nainital, underscoring the urgency of their demands.
