Garhwal Post Bureau
Rishikesh, 11 Dec: State Cabinet Minister and Chaubattakhal MLA Satpal Maharaj, along with BJP youth leader Suyash Rawat, visited AIIMS Rishikesh to inquire about the condition of 36-year-old Kanchan Devi, wife of Arjun Singh and a resident of Devradi village in Pokhra block, who was seriously injured in a leopard attack. During the visit, they spoke with the doctors and instructed them to ensure proper care and treatment.
Expressing concern over the incident, Maharaj said that on Wednesday he spoke with the District Magistrate and instructed that Kanchan Devi be immediately airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh for urgent treatment, after which she was brought here by air ambulance.
Maharaj expressed concern over the rising incidents of wild animal attacks in his Chaubattakhal constituency. He said he had discussed the matter with Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal, requesting a thorough study of the increasing incidents and necessary precautionary measures to ensure public safety. He added that due to global warming, changes in animal behaviour have made them more aggressive. Additionally, the unusually high rainfall this year has created dampness in their natural habitats, preventing them from going into deep winter hibernation. A shortage of food in the forests is also believed to be a major factor, forcing these animals to move towards nearby rural areas and attack people.
He appealed to villagers not to travel alone and to remain vigilant about their safety. BJP youth leader Suyash Rawat accompanied him during the visit.
