Forest Department says improving forest habitats have supported wildlife growth; efforts underway to provide food and water inside forests
Kanker, Chhattisgarh: The increasing movement of wild animals into residential areas has raised concern among villagers and residents living around Kanker city. Surrounded by forests and hilly terrain, the district is home to bears, leopards and other wildlife, but frequent sightings near human settlements are creating fear among local communities.
Residents are demanding stronger monitoring and faster response mechanisms from the Forest Department.
Two Deaths in Recent Bear Attacks
Concern has intensified following recent incidents in which two villagers were killed and another person was injured in a bear attack.
Residents say vulnerable areas need increased surveillance, particularly locations where villages and wildlife habitats overlap.
Why Are Wild Animals Entering Human Settlements?
Kanker is surrounded by extensive forest and hilly areas that provide natural habitats for wildlife.
According to the Forest Department, several factors contribute to human-wildlife conflict, including:
- Encroachment into forest areas
- Fragmentation of wildlife habitats
- Increasing wildlife populations
- Human movement into forests for farming and collection of minor forest produce
- Changes in wildlife movement patterns
- Increasing human interference in natural habitats
Vivekanand Jha, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kanker Forest Circle, said the district has a significant wildlife population. According to him, improvement in forest habitats has also contributed to an increase in wildlife, and animals sometimes move toward villages and urban areas in search of food and water.
Forest Department Working to Improve Food and Water Availability
The Forest Department says it is working on habitat development to ensure that wildlife has adequate food and water within forest areas.
Measures include:
- Planting fruit-bearing trees
- Increasing natural food availability
- Developing and protecting water sources
- Improving wildlife habitats
The department believes that providing adequate resources inside forests could reduce the need for animals to enter populated areas.
Bears Reported in Kanker City
Bear sightings have also been reported from areas within and around Kanker city.
During the past week, bears were reportedly spotted in Ramnagar, Sheetlapara, Rajapara and Sanjay Nagar, particularly during evening hours.
In rural areas, the situation has also remained concerning. Two bears were reportedly seen in Markatola in the Narharpur area. A female bear allegedly attacked people there, resulting in two deaths and one injury.
In another incident, a bear cub fell into a well in Kusum Pani village and was rescued by the Forest Department. A leopard also reportedly fell into a well in Saimunda village, where it died.
Forest Department Advises People to Remain Alert
Authorities have advised residents in sensitive areas to take precautions and avoid entering forests alone.
People have been advised to:
- Avoid unnecessary movement into forest areas
- Travel in groups when entering forest areas is unavoidable
- Maintain a safe distance from wild animals
- Immediately alert authorities after spotting wildlife
- Avoid approaching or attempting to rescue wild animals themselves
“People should avoid unnecessary movement into forests and maintain a safe distance from wildlife. We are also conducting awareness campaigns to reduce human-wildlife conflict.”
— Vivekanand Jha, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kanker
Residents Question Rescue and Monitoring Arrangements
Despite the Forest Department’s assurances, local residents have raised questions about the preparedness of authorities.
Local resident Ajay Bhaswani said wildlife sightings in Kanker city and surrounding rural areas have been increasing, while there appears to be a gap between official claims and the situation on the ground.
Residents have also questioned the availability of equipment required for wildlife rescue operations, including concerns reportedly raised during the recent bear incident.
“Not having essential rescue arrangements available in the district headquarters when required is a serious issue. Instead of only asking residents to stay indoors and remain cautious, the Forest Department should strengthen surveillance and rescue arrangements.”
— Ajay Bhaswani, Local Resident
Demand for Increased Surveillance
Following the recent incidents, residents are demanding that villages and urban areas experiencing frequent wildlife movement be formally identified as sensitive zones.
They are calling for:
- Regular forest patrolling
- Increased surveillance
- Faster emergency response
- Better wildlife rescue equipment
- Greater coordination between local authorities and the Forest Department
- Awareness campaigns in vulnerable villages
Bottom Line
The growing movement of bears and other wild animals into residential areas has highlighted the challenge of human-wildlife conflict in Kanker. While the Forest Department is focusing on habitat development and improving food and water availability inside forests, recent attacks and wildlife sightings have intensified demands for stronger surveillance, better rescue infrastructure and faster emergency response.
