By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Chamoli, 4 Sep: A woman was killed and another seriously injured after a bear attacked them at Sideli Tok in Nel Gram Panchayat of Pokhari block in Chamoli district yesterday. The incident has triggered panic among residents of the area, with villagers demanding that the Forest Department capture the bear and intensify patrolling in and around inhabited areas.
According to villagers, Laxmi Devi, wife of Gajendra Singh, and Vimla Devi, wife of Chandrashekhar Singh, both residents of Nel Sideli, had gone to Sideli Tok when they were suddenly confronted by a bear. The animal attacked the two women, following which they ran in an attempt to escape. During the ensuing panic, Vimla Devi fell from a rocky cliff and sustained serious injuries. She died on the spot.
Laxmi Devi also suffered serious injuries in the incident. On being informed, villagers rushed to the spot and rescued the injured woman. The police and Forest Department were also informed about the incident. Laxmi Devi was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where she was provided primary treatment. In view of the seriousness of her condition, she was subsequently referred to a higher medical centre for further treatment.
The incident led to a large number of villagers gathering in the area. A team of the Forest Department was also rushed to the spot to assess the situation and gather details about the attack. Villagers said the movement of the bear in the vicinity had created considerable fear among local residents, particularly those who have to venture into forest and adjoining areas for their daily activities like collecting fodder for cattle and wood for fuel. They demanded that the Forest Department take immediate steps to capture the animal and increase patrolling to prevent any further attack.
District Magistrate, Chamoli, Gaurav Kumar confirmed the incident and said that one woman had died in the bear attack while another had sustained serious injuries. He said teams of the administration and Forest Department had reached the area and were gathering details about the incident. The deceased has been identified as Vimla Devi, 56, wife of Chandrashekhar Singh, a resident of Nel Sideli in Pokhari, Chamoli. Laxmi Devi, wife of Gajendra Singh and also a resident of Nel Sideli, sustained serious injuries in the attack. It may be reminded here that bear attacks have become increasingly frequent in the hill districts of Uttarakhand, posing a serious threat to people living in villages located close to forest areas.
In Pauri district alone, more than 12 persons have reportedly sustained serious injuries in bear attacks during the past one year, while at least one death has also been reported. Chamoli has also witnessed a number of bear attack incidents in recent times, while several such incidents have been reported from Uttarkashi and Pithoragarh districts as well.
The repeated incidents have raised concerns among residents of remote hill villages, who say that increasing movement of wild animals close to human habitations is making it increasingly difficult for them to carry out routine agricultural and other activities. Villagers have called upon the Forest Department to identify areas witnessing frequent movement of bears, intensify surveillance and patrolling and take timely action whenever an animal begins moving close to inhabited areas.
