By Sunil Sonker Mussoorie, 9 Dec: In view of the increasing activity of bears and leopards in the hills, the Mussoorie Forest Division has taken a special initiative to prevent human-wildlife conflict. With the aim of creating awareness among local people, especially children and youth, the Forest Department conducted a comprehensive awareness campaign in various schools in Silla, Buranskhanda, and Rikholi.During the campaign, Assistant Conservator of Forests Dr Uday Gaur provided detailed information to the students about precautions, safety measures, and the natural behaviour of wild animals. He explained that, in recent months, the movement of leopards and bears has increased in many areas of Uttarakhand, which has also increased the possibilities of conflict. In such a situation, awareness among the local community is the most effective way to prevent any untoward incident.Dr Gaur also told the children that activities such as approaching wild animals, provoking them, or providing them with food increase the danger. He appealed to the villagers not to go out alone in the evening, to keep the bushes around their houses clean, and to immediately inform the Forest Department about the presence of any wild animal.Range officers from Mussoorie, Raipur, and Kempty ranges, forest personnel, and local villagers enthusiastically participated in the campaign. The team provided information on wildlife conservation and safety rules through pictures, posters, and short films in schools located near the forest.On this occasion, Range Officers Harish Gairola (Raipur) and Mahendra Chauhan (Mussoorie), along with forest personnel Anil, Khushi Ram, Yamin Khan, Abhishek, Anand Singh, Harendra Singh, Rahul, Rajkumar Saini, Fateh Singh, Ajit Singh, and others were present. The Forest Department team also conducted a workshop for the students on safe behaviour when encountering wild animals.Local people appreciated this effort of the Forest Department and said that such campaigns not only increase awareness but also develop a positive attitude towards nature and wildlife among children. This effort of the Forest Department is considered a significant step towards reducing human-wildlife conflict in the region.
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