Uttarakhand Villagers Resort to Forest Fires to Ward Off Big Cats Amid Rising Wildlife Conflict
In a desperate bid to protect themselves from the increasing threat of tigers and leopards, villagers in parts of Nainital, Uttarakhand, are allegedly setting wildfires intentionally. This alarming practice is not driven by negligence or environmental malice but by sheer fear as wild animals frequently stray into human settlements, creating a volatile situation in the region.
Escalating Human-Wildlife Conflict Forces Extreme Measures
Areas such as Pahadpani, Okhalkanda, and Dhari have witnessed a surge in human-wildlife encounters, prompting local authorities to close schools and advise residents against venturing into forests or stepping out after dark. Environmentalist Chandan Nayal explains that villagers, whose livelihoods are deeply intertwined with forest resources, feel compelled to light fires in nearby jungles to deter predators. "With leopards often spotted on village outskirts, roads, and even near houses, people have no other choice to ensure their safety," Nayal stated.
Administrative Challenges and Villagers' Plight
The forest department, already stretched thin due to manpower shortages, now faces the dual burden of controlling wildfires and managing dangerous wildlife. Nainital DFO Aakash Gangwar emphasized that while fire response teams are promptly deployed with villager support, deliberate fire-setting will be met with strict action. However, locals argue that official advisories to avoid forests are impractical. "Many village roads cut through forests, and without proper infrastructure, people must use forest trails for daily needs like buying rations," Nayal added, questioning how residents can remain confined indoors indefinitely.
Protests and Calls for Systemic Solutions
Frustration boiled over on January 19 when villagers gheraoed the SDM of Dhari and the DFO of Nainital, demanding immediate safety measures. Nayal warned that without robust systems to protect against wild animals, aggressive protests could ensue. Former minister Harish Paneru highlighted the dire circumstances in hill villages, where only those unable to migrate remain. "When there is no security, people will do whatever it takes to survive," Paneru remarked, noting that the lack of basic amenities like toilets and streetlights exacerbates the crisis.
Broader Implications and Environmental Emergency
Jagdish Negi, a local villager, reflected that hill communities, once known as nature's custodians, are now forced to abandon their ideals for survival. The unfolding crisis in Uttarakhand underscores a convergence of climate change, administrative neglect, and escalating man-animal conflict, creating a humanitarian and environmental emergency. With board exams approaching, school closures have further impacted students, adding to the community's distress. This situation pits frightened villagers against both wild predators and an unresponsive system, calling for urgent policy interventions and safety measures to restore balance and security in the region.
