DEHRADUN / 2 OCT 2026
In the wake of rising incidents of leopard, bear and tiger attacks in the hill districts, Uttarakhandi and Army veteran *Major Onkar Singh Negi has written a detailed letter to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami suggesting urgent measures for the safeguard and security of local inhabitants living on the forest fringes.
In his letter, Major Negi said the terror of wild beasts has now become a bigger reason for migration than unemployment itself.
“Fear has spread in every village and street. Our pahadi brothers are now afraid to go to their fields, to collect fodder, even to send children to school. The government must treat this as a disaster-like situation,” Major Negi wrote.
Quoting ground realities from Pauri, Rudraprayag and Almora, he suggested a five-point action plan:
1. Immediate Protection: “Solar fencing, bio-fencing and sensor-based early warning systems must be installed on priority in all identified hotspots. Watch towers and street lights around schools, Anganwadis, water sources and footpaths are essential,” he said.
2. Revival of Traditional Practices: Major Negi recalled that earlier villagers never went to the forest alone. “Traditionally people were accompanied by their dogs. Dogs not only give warning of the presence of a leopard but also defend humans. Villagers should be encouraged and even given subsidy to keep trained dogs with spiked collars,” he suggested.
3. Rapid Response: He demanded that every district should have a 24×7 Rapid Response Team equipped with tranquilizer guns, cages, nets, drones and GPS tracking, along with a veterinarian in each Territorial Forest Division. “It is not possible for a forest guard to be present in every village, but a QRT can reach within 30 minutes if digital surveillance is in place,” he noted.
4. Compensation and Prevention: He welcomed the recent hike in compensation from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 10 lakh for wildlife attack deaths, but demanded that compensation for crop loss and injury be made within 15 days through DBT, and that solid waste management be strictly enforced in rural areas so that bears are not attracted.
5. Long Term Solution: Supporting CM’s recent announcement of wildlife sterilization and rehabilitation centres in every district, he said at least 10 nali land in hills and one acre in plains should be earmarked immediately, and wildlife corridors, animal passes and underpasses must be protected at any cost.
Major Negi concluded: “Wildlife is an integral part of our faith and culture, but human life must come first. We cannot leave our old parents and women alone to fight leopards. I urge the CM to call a special meeting of the State Wildlife Board on this issue.”
The CM Office has acknowledged receipt of the letter and sources said it will be placed before the next Wildlife Board meeting.
