Even as a pack of maneater wolves have claimed at least nine lives in Baharaich district of Uttar Pradesh, chief minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to take steps for curbing the human-wildlife conflict.
Nearly 35 villages in Bahraich, which is among the terai (Himalayan foothills) districts of UP, are on a high alert following the terror unleashed by the wolves.
In the past about six weeks, eight children and a woman have fallen prey to the wolves in Bahraich.
So far, the UP forest department has captured four wolves under ‘Operation Bhediya’, while elephant dung and urine is being used to keep the wolves away from the human habitation.
The forest department has formed several teams to patrol the villages and other affected areas in the night.
Additional manpower has been deployed in Bahraich, Sitapur, Lakhimpur, Pilibhit and Bijnor districts to preempt any further attack.
Meanwhile, Yogi asked officials to ascertain the underlying causes behind the increase in such conflicts to curb them effectively.
UP is the first state to declare human-wildlife conflict as a disaster, ensuring support to families affected by wild animal attacks or resultant untimely deaths.
Following the CM’s order, the District Magistrates of Bahraich, Sitapur and Lakhimpur Kheri have issued directives to the police, forest, local panchayat and revenue departments to take a slew of steps for protection as well as creating awareness.