UP govt stands with victims of human-wildlife conflict: CM Yogi in Bahraich

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Bahraich on Saturday and conducted an aerial survey of the district before meeting villagers affected by human-wildlife conflict in the Gram Sabhas of Majhara, Taukli, and Kaiserganj.

He personally interacted with the victims, assured them of full government support, distributed fruits and relief material to families, and handed chocolates to children.

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CM Yogi directed the Forest Department to capture the wolf responsible for recent attacks and, if that fails, to call shooters to eliminate it in the interest of public safety. He instructed officials to ensure proper treatment of the injured and to immediately provide Rs 50,000 in relief to each affected family through their respective MPs and MLAs.

Recalling similar incidents in Mahsi, where six wolves were captured earlier, the CM said this time the threat has surfaced in Kaiserganj, and people would soon get relief. He stressed that the double-engine government is with the people in every hardship and will extend all possible support.

The CM also explained that during the monsoon, rising water levels of the Ghaghra River force wolves and jackals out of their dens, leading to attacks on children and vulnerable villagers. Human-wildlife conflict has been classified as a disaster, bringing affected families under government aid. Bereaved families receive Rs 5 lakh in compensation, while injured persons are assured of medical care and financial assistance.

The CM said that since the water level of the Ghaghra rose on 9-10 September, fear has gripped the region. To protect people, the government has deployed 21 task forces comprising Gram Rozgar Sevaks, Panchayat Sachivs, sanitation workers, Assistant Development Officers, and village watchmen. These teams are conducting awareness drives and implementing safety measures against wild animals.

Meanwhile, the Forest Department has constituted six special teams under senior officers, while the power and police departments have intensified patrolling. To improve security at night, 1,437 LED streetlights, 660 regular streetlights, and 91 solar lights have been installed across the area.

The CM said that the families of deceased children have been given Rs 5 lakh each. He has instructed the administration to provide shelter to those without pucca houses. Doors should be installed where missing, and toilets should be constructed immediately where lacking. He also directed arrangements for lighting and administering anti-rabies vaccines to the injured. He emphasised that every possible assistance should be provided to affected families.

The CM directed all 21 task forces to maintain round-the-clock vigilance and ordered intensified police patrolling, noting that Majhara Taukli faces the greatest threat. He instructed the Forest Department to stay alert and monitor every corner. During his aerial survey, the CM even spotted wild animals—likely jackals—at two locations.

Calling the stretch an “extremely sensitive area,” he explained that these animals live in riverbank dens and, when water levels rise, they move into human settlements, exploiting darkness to prey on children and target the sick or weak. The CM assured residents that swift action will be taken to eliminate this threat and restore safety.

The CM said that four children lost their lives in separate attacks.