Panic has engulfed the hill villages of Nainital district following two separate fatal leopard attacks that claimed the lives of two women within a span of just five days. The incidents have triggered widespread fear among residents, who are now demanding immediate and decisive action from the forest department to address the growing human-animal conflict.
Details of the Tragic Attacks
The latest attack occurred in broad daylight on Tuesday in the Okhalkanda area. The victim, Rekha Devi, 35, a resident of gram sabha Chamoli and wife of Pan Singh Chilwal, was attacked and killed by a leopard while she was out collecting fodder. This brutal incident sent shockwaves through the surrounding villages, with many residents now reportedly too terrified to step out of their homes, even for essential chores.
This tragedy came just days after another woman lost her life under strikingly similar circumstances. Last Friday, in the Dhari block, located approximately 40 kilometers from Okhalkanda, a woman was also killed by a leopard while gathering fodder. That initial attack had already raised serious concerns, but the second killing has dramatically intensified the local community's fear and frustration.
Local Anger and Official Response
In the aftermath of Tuesday's incident, teams from the forest department and local representatives rushed to the spot. However, they were met with anger and accusations from villagers. The locals alleged that their repeated warnings about frequent leopard movements in the area had been ignored, and that the department had failed to implement any effective preventive measures to ensure safety.
Residents accused officials of negligence, stating they had previously reported numerous leopard sightings near residential areas and farmlands. Forest officials, in response, stated they had issued advisories urging villagers to avoid venturing out during the early morning and late evening hours, when leopard activity is typically higher.
However, the community finds this guidance wholly inadequate. "We are living in fear every day. Asking us to stay indoors is not a solution. We need a permanent fix," expressed one distressed villager, capturing the sentiment of many.
Demands for a Permanent Solution
The repeated attacks have led villagers to demand that the leopard be traced and killed, arguing that its behavior indicates it has turned into a dangerous threat. "If they cannot catch it, they should declare it a man-eater and eliminate it. How many more lives must we lose?" questioned another resident.
As of now, the forest department has not confirmed whether the same leopard was responsible for both attacks. Officials have stated that they are employing camera traps and increasing patrols to identify the animal involved. Meanwhile, tranquillisation teams have been deployed to monitor the affected areas.
The escalating conflict has created a persistent climate of fear in Nainital's mountainous villages. Beyond immediate action against the specific leopard, locals are urging the administration and forest department to take long-term steps. Their demands include deploying more personnel in sensitive zones, installing protective fencing, and increasing compensation and relief for families affected by such tragic wildlife attacks.
