UP's Bahraich faces shutdown: Schools, markets close amid wolf attacks

New Delhi: Life in Mahsi subdivision of Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district has come to a halt as residents struggle with a series of wolf attacks. The fear has led to deserted schools, abandoned fields and shuttered markets, forcing villagers to rely on a few small shops for their basic needs. In Thaliya village, Roli Singh has taken the precaution of keeping her children home from school. “If my kids remain safe, they will have the opportunity to study in the future,” she explained. The safety concerns have prompted villagers to form patrol groups, taking turns to monitor their surroundings and protect their children and livestock from the encroaching threat.

The situation took a severe turn late Wednesday when a wolf attacked goats tethered in a courtyard in Pachdevari village, Hardi. Immediate communication among patrol teams ensures that any new wolf sightings are reported to forest officials and local security forces. Hazari Arya, a local farmer from Sisaiya, described the toll the situation has taken on him, stating, “My health has deteriorated due to the stress of staying awake at night. But sleeping isn’t an option for us. It’s a matter of life and death.”

Response from wildlife experts and authorities

To tackle the escalating crisis, a four-member team from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, arrived in Bahraich on Tuesday night. Their mission is to analyze the wolf attack patterns, devise capture strategies, and provide guidance on managing man-animal conflicts.

Meanwhile, Bahraich District Magistrate Monika Rani announced several measures to address community concerns and enhance safety. “We have deployed a dedicated team to patrol the villages at night,” Rani stated. This team includes panchayat assistants, secretaries, revenue officials, sanitation workers, and Anganwadi and ANM workers, all working to raise awareness and ensure public safety.

Solar lights and shelters for safety

In response to the crisis, the district administration has begun installing solar lights throughout the affected areas. Approximately 120 solar lights and doors have already been set up with assistance from various departments. “We have also arranged for primary schools to serve as temporary shelters for those in need. If any individual encounters difficulties or requires overnight accommodation, they can use the facilities provided at the primary schools,” Rani added.

The forest department has stepped up its efforts with the deployment of six cameras and drones. Additionally, 150 personnel from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) are on patrol, while 32 teams from the Revenue Department and 25 from the Forest Department are actively engaged on the ground. Authorities also use loudspeakers to advise residents to stay indoors, keep their children inside, and secure their homes at night.

Joint efforts to tackle wolf threat

The situation remains tense as the villagers and authorities work together to address the immediate threats posed by the wolf attacks. The collective efforts of wildlife experts, local officials, and residents are crucial in restoring normalcy and ensuring the safety of the villagers. As the crisis unfolds, continued vigilance and collaboration will be essential in managing and mitigating the risks associated with this unprecedented situation.