Army conducts workshop to tackle threat from wild animals

The Army today conducted a workshop for residents of far-flung areas in Kulgam district on how to avoid man-animal conflict in wake of numerous such incidents in recent past.

"On the request of the people, the Army camp in Nohama organised a workshop on precautions against the attacks by bears and leopards.

A large number of local representatives from areas near forests attended the workshop in which various precautionary measures were explained," an army official said here.

He said the people were advised not to venture out alone in remote areas especially during evenings and night hours.

"If absolutely necessary, they should carry adequate lighting equipments like torches or lamps," he said adding the locals were also taught how to make "mashals" using local materials and use crackers to scare away the wild animals.
 

The need to properly dispose leftover food by burying or burning them to avoid attracting wild animals and keeping livestocks in closed spaces was also highlighted, he said.

The locals were cautioned against leaving children alone or unattended in such areas as they are most vulnerable to attacks by wild animals.

"The people appreciated the concern shown by the Army for their wellbeing," he said.

Nohama and the adjoining areas are located at the foothills of Kadlabal ridge where the people live in vicinity of the dense forest and abundant wildlife.

There have been numerous sightings of dangerous and wild animals in the residential areas here in recent past.

Heavy snowfall leading to paucity of food in the forest areas invariably leads to increase in the number of incidents of man-animal conflict.