Rudraprayag, August 29: Farmers in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, are facing severe challenges due to wild animals invading their fields. The primary issue is the unchecked movement of these animals. In response, the Forest Department has stepped in to control the situation. They are preparing to implement measures to curb the menace of wild animals and prevent the situation from worsening. Vinay Kumar Mishra, the Divisional Forest Officer, shared insights about their upcoming strategies during an interview with a news agency. He stated that the department is set to take strict actions to mitigate the impact of these wild animals.
Mishra noted that farming has become increasingly difficult in several districts of Uttarakhand due to the havoc wreaked by wild animals. Farmers are encountering numerous challenges as these animals destroy crops, leading to significant losses. Given these circumstances, the Forest Department has taken charge to implement preventive measures. They are working on both long-term and short-term solutions to address the issue. The primary culprits include wild boars, monkeys, and bears. Different strategies will be required for each type of animal, as a one-size-fits-all approach will not be effective.
He emphasized that wild boars are particularly damaging to crops in the forests. The department is fully prepared to tackle this issue. As soon as they receive adequate funding from higher authorities, they will implement these plans to protect farmers’ crops from wild animals. Additionally, they are working on short-term projects to manage the situation. For instance, bears, which inhabit the mountains, often raid crops at night. The department is developing a comprehensive plan to address this issue effectively, ensuring that farmers do not face any difficulties.
According to the officer, they are sending field officials to identify areas where wild animals are causing damage to crops. They are also investigating the origins of these animals. However, understanding animal behavior has proven challenging. Gathering information about their movements remains difficult, but the department is committed to collecting relevant data. They are optimistic about achieving success in this endeavor.
Mishra advised farmers to create smoke using chili powder if they spot bears in their vicinity, as this will drive them away. They have also suggested using firecrackers in certain areas to deter wild boars and monkeys. The influx of monkeys, especially around temples and tourist sites, has been increasing. In light of this, the department has set a target to capture 1,300 monkeys and is on track to meet this goal by the end of the year. They are also installing traps in sensitive areas to capture leopards.
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