Highlights

  • Pilibhit grapples with man-animal conflict
  • 22 mauled to death by tigers since 2019
  • SP targets BJP over issue at Pilibhit rally

Latest news

Unprecedented fracas on Parliament premises, 2 BJP MPs injured; NDA, Congress file police complaints

Unprecedented fracas on Parliament premises, 2 BJP MPs injured; NDA, Congress file police complaints

Palestinians say six killed in Israeli West Bank operations

Palestinians say six killed in Israeli West Bank operations

Around 70 Hindu pilgrims arrive in Pak from India to perform religious rituals at Katas Raj temples

Around 70 Hindu pilgrims arrive in Pak from India to perform religious rituals at Katas Raj temples

Delhi Elections: MCD passes proposal to release Rs 25.35 crore for preparations

Delhi Elections: MCD passes proposal to release Rs 25.35 crore for preparations

Global stocks struggle amid inflation, economic fears: December 19, 2024 analysis

Global stocks struggle amid inflation, economic fears: December 19, 2024 analysis

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviews J&K security situation

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviews J&K security situation

Mysterious 'dinga dinga' illness causing body shaking affects 300 in Uganda

Mysterious 'dinga dinga' illness causing body shaking affects 300 in Uganda

Putin ready to meet Trump 'anytime' to talk Ukraine deal

Putin ready to meet Trump 'anytime' to talk Ukraine deal

Man-animal conflict major poll issue in Pilibhit, over 20 villagers mauled by tigers in 5 years

The Pilibhit constituency is grappling with a long-running man-animal conflict, and political parties are finally taking note. 

Man-animal conflict major poll issue in Pilibhit, over 20 villagers mauled by tigers in 5 years

Even as political leaders are talking of development, modernisation and progress in election rallies, people about 300 villages in the Pilibhit Lok Sabha constituency are still facing one of the most primitive struggles of mankind - the man-animal conflict.

People in these villages routinely encounter big cats that stray into their farms from the adjoining Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR), a bustling habitat for the Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris).

Sometimes these encounters even prove fatal. As per official records, more than 22 people from these villages have been mauled to death by tigers since November 2019.

On April 9, hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a political rally in the Puranpur area in support of BJP candidate Jitin Prasada, 55-year-old farmer Bhole Ram was mauled to death by a tiger.

While PM Modi, in his address, announced to "take the grandeur of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve to the world", the family members of Bhole Ram and some other villagers were not pleased.

"Our lives are at the mercy of gods. We don't know when a tiger will leap out of the field and make us or our children its prey," said Paras Rai, a relative of Bhole Ram and resident of the Jamunia village located on the boundary of the PTR.

The village saw deaths of four persons, including Bhole Ram, in the last six months due to tiger attacks.

The deaths have made the man-animal conflict a poll issue in Pilibhit. The villagers, who face a constant threat to existence because of tigers, have been demanding measures to prevent tigers from venturing out of the forest.

Political parties have also started to realise the issue. Samajwadi Party candidate and former minister Bhagwat Saran Gangwar visited Bhole Ram's family members on April 11 and assured them of his support.

Gangwar raised the issue during the political rally held by party president Akhilesh Yadav in the district on April 12.

"People are being killed by wild animals. We will solve the problem once we come to power," he said.

Former Uttar Pradesh CM Yadav also raised the issue and attacked the BJP.

"Animals from the wild are killing people. I also saw a video of a tiger sitting on a wall being chased by people. This government has not done anything about the problem." Umashankar Pal, a farmer who lost his brother to a tiger attack in 2022, said, "We want the authorities to put up a fence on the boundaries of the forest to stop the tigers. But nothing has been done yet. We continue to see tigers in our farms on a regular basis which poses a threat to our lives." The villagers, predominantly farmers with small land holdings, cannot make do without their farms where the big cats are the biggest threat to their life.

Almost all the people killed by tigers met their fate in the fields.

Experts suggest that the population of tigers in the PTR, formed in 2014, has doubled over the years forcing them to venture out in search of new territories, thereby leading to man-animal conflict.

As per a survey conducted in 2018, the PTR has 65 tigers, more than double the number of tigers in 2014.

"Another reason that results in the animals coming out of forest areas is a very narrow and almost non-existent buffer zone around the PTR. Villages in Pilibhit or the fields are located just at the boundary of the forest," explained Durgesh Prajapati, a wildlife expert and social activist based in Pilibhit.

The villagers, who have lived in cohesion with the forest for ages, believe that the problem of tigers is a result of the government's decision to declare the area a tiger reserve.

The villagers said this time they will vote for the party which promises to resolve the issue for them.

Pilibhit, with over 18 lakh voters, will go to polls in the first phase of elections on April 19.

Also watch: Neither upset nor surprised: Maneka Gandhi on BJP dropping Varun from Pilibhit

ADVERTISEMENT

Up Next

Man-animal conflict major poll issue in Pilibhit, over 20 villagers mauled by tigers in 5 years

Man-animal conflict major poll issue in Pilibhit, over 20 villagers mauled by tigers in 5 years

Was this Shashi Tharoor's last election? Congress leader reveals

Was this Shashi Tharoor's last election? Congress leader reveals

What lies ahead for AIADMK after Lok Sabha debacle?

What lies ahead for AIADMK after Lok Sabha debacle?

Meet GenZ candidates set to become India’s youngest MPs

Meet GenZ candidates set to become India’s youngest MPs

Odisha's chief ministerial race: five BJP stalwarts in contention

Odisha's chief ministerial race: five BJP stalwarts in contention

Modi's swearing-in ceremony, India to invite top leaders of neighbouring countries: report

Modi's swearing-in ceremony, India to invite top leaders of neighbouring countries: report

ADVERTISEMENT

editorji-whatsApp

More videos

Naidu and Kumar seek key cabinet posts in Modi's next term: report

Naidu and Kumar seek key cabinet posts in Modi's next term: report

What next for jailed Amritpal Singh, Engineer Rashid who have now become lawmakers?

What next for jailed Amritpal Singh, Engineer Rashid who have now become lawmakers?

Narendra Modi elected NDA leader, to be next PM

Narendra Modi elected NDA leader, to be next PM

Mallikarjun Kharge invites parties with 'shared values' to join INDIA bloc

Mallikarjun Kharge invites parties with 'shared values' to join INDIA bloc

INDIA bloc leaders hold meet at Mallikarjun Kharge residence

INDIA bloc leaders hold meet at Mallikarjun Kharge residence

President Murmu dissolves 17th Lok Sabha

President Murmu dissolves 17th Lok Sabha

Will top BJP allies stay in NDA or leave? Modi 3.0 hangs in the balance

Will top BJP allies stay in NDA or leave? Modi 3.0 hangs in the balance

NDA meet at PM Modi residence, discussion on forming govt

NDA meet at PM Modi residence, discussion on forming govt

KL Sharma wins Amethi, how Congress planned Rahul revenge

KL Sharma wins Amethi, how Congress planned Rahul revenge

Union Cabinet recommends dissolution of 17th Lok Sabha

Union Cabinet recommends dissolution of 17th Lok Sabha

Narendra Modi expected to take oath as PM on June 8: report

Narendra Modi expected to take oath as PM on June 8: report

Lok Sabha election results: Tejashwi Yadav pulled crowds in Bihar, but failed to turn them into votes

Lok Sabha election results: Tejashwi Yadav pulled crowds in Bihar, but failed to turn them into votes

JDU will give letter of support to NDA, PM Modi: KC Tyagi

JDU will give letter of support to NDA, PM Modi: KC Tyagi

INDIA bloc and NDA leaders in huddle after June 4 Lok Sabha result

INDIA bloc and NDA leaders in huddle after June 4 Lok Sabha result

Chandrababu Naidu breaks suspense over defection to INDIA bloc

Chandrababu Naidu breaks suspense over defection to INDIA bloc

Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu emerge as kingmakers as BJP short of majority

Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu emerge as kingmakers as BJP short of majority

BJP falls short of majority, Nitish Kumar to attend NDA meet in Delhi

BJP falls short of majority, Nitish Kumar to attend NDA meet in Delhi

Cycle rolls over BJP's Purvanchal fortress, comparison with 2019 result

Cycle rolls over BJP's Purvanchal fortress, comparison with 2019 result

Jailed Kashmiri leader beats Omar Abdullah, Sajad Lone to win Baramulla seat

Jailed Kashmiri leader beats Omar Abdullah, Sajad Lone to win Baramulla seat

PM Modi thanks Chandrababu Naidu, Nitish Kumar in victory speech | Lok Sabha election results

PM Modi thanks Chandrababu Naidu, Nitish Kumar in victory speech | Lok Sabha election results

For first time in 10 years, Congress opens account in Gujarat

For first time in 10 years, Congress opens account in Gujarat

How Rahul Gandhi set the Lok Sabha campaign narrative, and BJP followed

How Rahul Gandhi set the Lok Sabha campaign narrative, and BJP followed

Setback for BJP as Faizabad picks Samajwadi candidate Awadhesh Prasad

Setback for BJP as Faizabad picks Samajwadi candidate Awadhesh Prasad

BJP's Tamil Nadu star Annamalai's bleak ballot debut

BJP's Tamil Nadu star Annamalai's bleak ballot debut

Uttar Pradesh result establishes Akhilesh at centre stage, end of road for Mayawati

Uttar Pradesh result establishes Akhilesh at centre stage, end of road for Mayawati

When Modi loses, Adani stocks fall: Rahul Gandhi as BJP falls short of majority

When Modi loses, Adani stocks fall: Rahul Gandhi as BJP falls short of majority

Smriti Irani concedes defeat, thanks PM Modi, Yogi for letting her serve Amethi

Smriti Irani concedes defeat, thanks PM Modi, Yogi for letting her serve Amethi

Nation rejected politics of Modi, Shah: Rahul Gandhi in press conference

Nation rejected politics of Modi, Shah: Rahul Gandhi in press conference

London postgrad Iqra Hasan beats BJP in once communally charged Kairana

London postgrad Iqra Hasan beats BJP in once communally charged Kairana

Shyam Rangeela mimics PM Modi, 'calls' Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu in hilarious video

Shyam Rangeela mimics PM Modi, 'calls' Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu in hilarious video

'Real' Shiv Sena, NCP outperformed by Sharad, Uddhav in Maharashtra

'Real' Shiv Sena, NCP outperformed by Sharad, Uddhav in Maharashtra

BJP's Rajeev Chandrashekhar concedes defeat to Shashi Tharoor | Thiruvananthapuram LS seat

BJP's Rajeev Chandrashekhar concedes defeat to Shashi Tharoor | Thiruvananthapuram LS seat

NOTA gets record 2.18 lakh votes in Indore where Congress candidate withdrew

NOTA gets record 2.18 lakh votes in Indore where Congress candidate withdrew

Sharad Pawar denies talks with Nitish Kumar | Lok Sabha election results

Sharad Pawar denies talks with Nitish Kumar | Lok Sabha election results

Odisha assembly elections: BJP likely to dethrone Naveen Patnaik

Odisha assembly elections: BJP likely to dethrone Naveen Patnaik

Lok Sabha elections: INDIA bloc leading in 44 seats, BJP-led NDA in 35

Lok Sabha elections: INDIA bloc leading in 44 seats, BJP-led NDA in 35

Congress' Amethi pick KL Sharma reacts to potential win over BJP's Smriti Irani

Congress' Amethi pick KL Sharma reacts to potential win over BJP's Smriti Irani

Mamata Banerjee stays strong in her turf, outperforms BJP in West Bengal

Mamata Banerjee stays strong in her turf, outperforms BJP in West Bengal

BJP short of majority as per latest trends, NDA likely to cross 272

BJP short of majority as per latest trends, NDA likely to cross 272

BJP going to form govt for third time, says Kangana Ranaut

BJP going to form govt for third time, says Kangana Ranaut

Lok Sabha election results: Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh leads in Punjab

Lok Sabha election results: Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh leads in Punjab

Smriti Irani stares at defeat as KL Sharma takes massive lead in Amethi

Smriti Irani stares at defeat as KL Sharma takes massive lead in Amethi

BJP workers imitate shaving man's head to mock Somnath Bharti

BJP workers imitate shaving man's head to mock Somnath Bharti

'Not happy about Hassan result': JDS leader Kumaraswamy

'Not happy about Hassan result': JDS leader Kumaraswamy

Lok Sabha results LIVE: BJP set to lose heavily in Uttar Pradesh as SP-Congress leads in 42 seats 

Lok Sabha results LIVE: BJP set to lose heavily in Uttar Pradesh as SP-Congress leads in 42 seats 

BJP on verge of creating history in Kerala, Suresh Gopi poised to win from Thrissur

BJP on verge of creating history in Kerala, Suresh Gopi poised to win from Thrissur

Lok Sabha election 2024 results: counting of votes across 543 constituencies underway

Lok Sabha election 2024 results: counting of votes across 543 constituencies underway

Celebrations begin at TMC office in Kolkata | Watch

Celebrations begin at TMC office in Kolkata | Watch

Sanjay Raut bats for Rahul Gandhi as PM, says Congress may cross 150

Sanjay Raut bats for Rahul Gandhi as PM, says Congress may cross 150

Andhra Pradesh assembly polls result: Naidu's TDP well on its way to dethrone YSRCP

Andhra Pradesh assembly polls result: Naidu's TDP well on its way to dethrone YSRCP

'This is just trailer': Congress' Jairam Ramesh takes sly dig at BJP

'This is just trailer': Congress' Jairam Ramesh takes sly dig at BJP

BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut offer prayers on election result day

BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut offer prayers on election result day

Counting of votes for Andhra, Odisha assembly elections begins

Counting of votes for Andhra, Odisha assembly elections begins

These are early trends, won't celebrate prematurely: Supriya Shrinate

These are early trends, won't celebrate prematurely: Supriya Shrinate

We will comfortably form government: Congress candidate Vikramaditya Singh

We will comfortably form government: Congress candidate Vikramaditya Singh

Hoping exit poll proves right for J&K: NC leader Omar Abdullah

Hoping exit poll proves right for J&K: NC leader Omar Abdullah

Will work for all, whether they voted for me or not: Shashi Tharoor

Will work for all, whether they voted for me or not: Shashi Tharoor

Exit polls 2024: Congress likely to maintain lead in Punjab, no gain for AAP

Exit polls 2024: Congress likely to maintain lead in Punjab, no gain for AAP

Today is last day of dictatorship: AAP leader Gopal Rai

Today is last day of dictatorship: AAP leader Gopal Rai

Ram Rajya will continue: BJP Gorakhpur candidate Ravi Kishan

Ram Rajya will continue: BJP Gorakhpur candidate Ravi Kishan

'Teesri baar Modi sarkaar': BJP's Bansuri Swaraj confident of win

'Teesri baar Modi sarkaar': BJP's Bansuri Swaraj confident of win

'Modi Ka Pariwar' in hearts of all Indians: K Madhavi Latha

'Modi Ka Pariwar' in hearts of all Indians: K Madhavi Latha

5 injured in crude bomb blast in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas

5 injured in crude bomb blast in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas

EC 'outrightly' rejects Jairam Ramesh's request for extra time to back claims

EC 'outrightly' rejects Jairam Ramesh's request for extra time to back claims

'Cannot spread a rumour..': CEC responds to Congress' Jairam Ramesh's allegations

'Cannot spread a rumour..': CEC responds to Congress' Jairam Ramesh's allegations

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar reacts to 'Laapata gentlemen' memes | Watch

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar reacts to 'Laapata gentlemen' memes | Watch

BJP plans mega event to mark 2024 Lok Sabha election victory: report

BJP plans mega event to mark 2024 Lok Sabha election victory: report

'Just wait and see': Sonia Gandhi on INDIA bloc's chances of winning 2024 Lok Sabha election

'Just wait and see': Sonia Gandhi on INDIA bloc's chances of winning 2024 Lok Sabha election

In rare move, EC to hold presser day before counting of votes

In rare move, EC to hold presser day before counting of votes

Kejriwal lists 'theories' behind exit poll: 'bid to prevent mutiny in BJP'

Kejriwal lists 'theories' behind exit poll: 'bid to prevent mutiny in BJP'

Count postal ballots before declaring EVM results: INDIA bloc to EC

Count postal ballots before declaring EVM results: INDIA bloc to EC

Sandeshkhali sees post-poll violence, Guv writes to Mamata

Sandeshkhali sees post-poll violence, Guv writes to Mamata

Arvind Kejriwal returns to Tihar Jail as interim bail ends

Arvind Kejriwal returns to Tihar Jail as interim bail ends

SKM sweeps assembly elections in Sikkim, wins 31 of 32 seats

SKM sweeps assembly elections in Sikkim, wins 31 of 32 seats

BJP wins Arunachal Pradesh assembly elections for third straight time

BJP wins Arunachal Pradesh assembly elections for third straight time

Watch: Rahul Gandhi slams exit polls, predicts these many seats for INDIA bloc

Watch: Rahul Gandhi slams exit polls, predicts these many seats for INDIA bloc

'Will shave off my head if...': AAP's Somnath Bharti's claim on exit polls predicting NDA win

'Will shave off my head if...': AAP's Somnath Bharti's claim on exit polls predicting NDA win

Sikkim-Arunachal Pradesh assembly polls: counting for votes begin amid heavy security

Sikkim-Arunachal Pradesh assembly polls: counting for votes begin amid heavy security

Lok Sabha elections 2024 exit polls: poll of polls predict big victory for Modi-led NDA

Lok Sabha elections 2024 exit polls: poll of polls predict big victory for Modi-led NDA

Pawan Khera calls exit poll 'source of entertainment', slams PM Modi for his tweet

Pawan Khera calls exit poll 'source of entertainment', slams PM Modi for his tweet

'Delusional politics': Hardeep Singh Puri slams Congress' 295 seats claim

'Delusional politics': Hardeep Singh Puri slams Congress' 295 seats claim

'Sarkari exit poll': Supriya Shrinate slams exit poll surveys predicting Modi sweep

'Sarkari exit poll': Supriya Shrinate slams exit poll surveys predicting Modi sweep

INDIA bloc will win at least 295 seats, Kharge asserts after opposition meet

INDIA bloc will win at least 295 seats, Kharge asserts after opposition meet

PM Modi ends his 45-hour long meditation, visits Tamil poet's statue

PM Modi ends his 45-hour long meditation, visits Tamil poet's statue

INDIA bloc meet underway to discuss strategy for counting day | Lok Sabha elections

INDIA bloc meet underway to discuss strategy for counting day | Lok Sabha elections

BJP leader sends ambulance for Kejriwal, says CM creating drama over health

BJP leader sends ambulance for Kejriwal, says CM creating drama over health

Lok Sabha polls final phase: voter turnout at 40.09% till 1 pm

Lok Sabha polls final phase: voter turnout at 40.09% till 1 pm

Pawan Khera responds to Amit Shah's 'denial mode' dig at party for skipping exit poll debates

Pawan Khera responds to Amit Shah's 'denial mode' dig at party for skipping exit poll debates

Sporadic incidents of violence mar final phase of voting in Bengal

Sporadic incidents of violence mar final phase of voting in Bengal

Watch: election underway at world's highest polling station- Tashigang

Watch: election underway at world's highest polling station- Tashigang

Seventh phase of voting: EVMs, VVPAT looted in West Bengal, thrown into pond

Seventh phase of voting: EVMs, VVPAT looted in West Bengal, thrown into pond

Editorji Technologies Pvt. Ltd. © 2022 All Rights Reserved.