Anantnag: Locals from Verinag hamlets of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district captured at least 10 wild bears in a week. Six bears were captured alone in Kokagund village.
Locals said wild animals are damaging vegetation and pose risk to live stock.
“We are without a Rang Office. There is a dire need to establish a Range Office here in Verinag so that movement of wild animals could be curbed,” said a local Nisar Ahmed.
Another local Fayaz Ahmed said that wild animals roam freely in different villages of Verinag.
“Locals especially children and females are reluctant to come out from the houses. A common villager is unable to visit his orchard alone,” he added.
They said Verinag villages being close to the forest area need proper fencing. “This fencing will stop wild animals from entering into the villages,” the locals said and appealed administration to look into the matter.
“The villagers awake whole night and so for 10 bears have been captured by locals without any government assistance,” the villages said.
When contacted, an official from Wild Life Department admitted that there is a need to set up a Range Office in Verinag. He said wild life department teams are active and they are always at their (villagers) beck and call. (KNT)