Bardiya locals demand protection from rising wildlife attacks

By Jyoti Panti,Babai (Bardiya), Feb. 7: Locals and families of those killed by leopard attacks in Bardiya have approached the District Administration Office (DAO) demanding justice, as incidents of wildlife attacks have significantly increased in recent times.

On Thursday, two individuals were killed in separate leopard attacks in Bardiya-- Nandu Rokaya, 36, of Tulsipur in Gulariya Municipality-4, and Maisara Dangi of Madhuwan Municipality-9.

Following the incidents, locals and members of the bereaved families went to the District Administration Office in Bardiya seeking justice.

Compared to previous years, leopard attacks have increased this year in Bardiya, leaving residents fearful. As deaths caused by leopard attacks continue even within Gulariya Municipality, the district headquarters, locals on Friday reached the DAO demanding immediate action for the protection of people's lives.

Human–wildlife conflict has been intensifying over the past few years in the villages of Barbardiya Municipality, Gulariya Municipality and Madhuwan Municipality. With repeated deaths occurring in and around community forest areas, local people have grown increasingly angry 

and concerned.

Akkal Bahadur Khatri of Ward No. 4, Gulariya Municipality, said that frequent leopard attacks, even in home courtyards, have made residents 

feel unsafe.

Similarly, Sushila Giri of Tulsipur village in Gulariya Municipality-4, expressed anger over the lack of effective control measures and urged the concerned authorities to pay serious attention to managing problematic wildlife.

According to data from the Division Forest Office, Bardiya, wildlife attacks have increased compared to previous years. In the fiscal year 2023/24, four individuals lost their lives 

to wildlife attacks in Bardiya. 

In fiscal year 2024/25, six people were killed, while in the first seven months of the current fiscal year, nine people have already lost their lives.

Suresh Gautam, Ward Chairperson of Gulariya Municipality-4, said Thursday’s incidents have created a sense that Bardiya is becoming 

increasingly unsafe.

The locals who reached the District Administration Office seeking justice have demanded government compensation for the affected families, support for their livelihoods, and immediate measures to control aggressive wildlife.