Dehradun : These days, there is an atmosphere of panic in the hilly districts of Uttarakhand due to increasing attacks by leopards and bears. There is fear among the local people due to the continuous attacks of leopards in Pauri district, while videos of bears entering the houses and causing damage have come out from many districts including Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Champawat. According to wildlife experts, the mating period of the animals is going on at this time, due to which they are becoming more aggressive and moving towards the human population. This situation has become a big challenge for rural areas, especially the concern regarding the safety of school children has deepened.
Recently, in view of the increasing threat of Guldar in Pauri district, orders were issued to temporarily close schools and Anganwadi centres. Several incidents of gangster attacks have been recorded in Pauri, Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Champawat districts. So far this year, 35 people have lost their lives in attacks by wild animals in the state. There are 32 primary schools, 6 upper primary schools, 4 high schools, 3 inter colleges and 3 private schools in Pauri district, where hundreds of children study. In such a situation, the fear of dangerous animals is directly affecting the education of children. Although online classes were conducted during the school closure, but now after the school opens, escort arrangements are being made for the safety of the children. Pre-board examinations for class 10th and 12th are also proposed in the month of December. In such a situation, parents and teachers fear that if the threat of wildlife continues, students’ studies and exam preparation may be affected.
Government will make every possible effort
Uttarakhand Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal has said that in recent times, incidents of bear activities and guldar attacks have come to light in the hilly areas of the state. Regarding the increasing attacks by wild animals, a high-level meeting was organized at the government level under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, in which a detailed discussion was held on preparing effective mechanisms to reduce the incidents of human-wildlife conflict. To increase security in rural areas, work is being done to provide solar lights as soon as possible, so that better lighting arrangements can be made at night. He said that the safety of children is the priority of the government and every possible step is being taken for this.
Changes made in school timings
Subodh Uniyal informed that the schools in Pauri district around which wildlife activities have been found have been temporarily shifted to other safe places. Along with this, considering that wildlife attacks usually occur in the morning and evening, school timings have also been changed. Besides, instructions have been given to all the officers of the Forest Department that in case of any wildlife attack, compensation should be provided to the victims immediately. Apart from this, instructions have also been given to the forest personnel in rural areas to remain continuously active and increase surveillance, so that incidents of human-wildlife conflict can be effectively controlled.
55 schools had to be closed in Pauri district
The increasing activities of guldar and bears in Kaljikhal block of Pauri district has spread panic among the villagers and especially the school children. Recently, while going to school in Dangi village, children saw a bear passing by with its cubs, after which the children returned home instead of going to school due to fear. According to the local people, frequent movement of leopards and bears is also seen on the road leading to Rauma School Dangi. For this reason, children live in fear every day while going to school. In view of the increasing threat to wildlife, the administration had recently issued orders for temporary closure of more than 55 primary schools and Anganwadi centers in Pauri district.
education of children in crisis
There are 32 primary schools, 6 upper primary schools, 4 high schools, 3 inter colleges and 3 private schools running in Pauri district, in which hundreds of children studying are being directly affected by this crisis. Although online classes were started to ensure that children’s education is not interrupted, but due to connectivity problems and limited resources in the hilly areas, this system is not proving to be completely effective.
Government gave instructions to increase surveillance
About 70 percent of the land area of Uttarakhand is covered with forest area, due to which wildlife activities are often seen in the residential areas adjacent to them. Taking seriously the increasing incidents of human-wildlife conflict, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami recently held a meeting with senior officials of the Forest Department and issued important instructions regarding security arrangements. The Forest Department is using cameras to increase surveillance in areas with high activity of wildlife. Along with this, a campaign to clear the bushes around the populated areas is being carried out, so that the chances of wild animals hiding are reduced. By establishing constant communication with the villagers, they are being made alert and aware.
Will all children get protection?
In many schools, children are also being taught necessary safety mantras to protect themselves from wildlife. Apart from this, keeping in mind the safety of school children in wildlife affected areas, escort facility is also being provided by the Forest Department. However, providing adequate number of security personnel for the hundreds of school going children remains a big challenge for the department. In such a situation, the question is also arising whether the safety of all children can be ensured with the existing resources.
