Nagpur/Chandrapur: In yet another tragic incident highlighting the escalating conflict between humans and wildlife, a 33-year-old farmer, Ankush Khobragade, fell victim to a tiger attack on his farm in Chandrapur. The attack occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning, resulting in the death of the farmer, who was partially devoured by the tiger.
This unfortunate event marks the ninth fatality attributed to man-animal conflicts in Chandrapur district within the span of five months this year, underscoring the pressing nature of the issue.
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The incident sparked outrage among villagers, who gathered at the site of the attack to protest vehemently. Range Forest Officer (RFO), Kishor Deurkar, attempted to calm the agitated crowd, but faced resistance as villagers refused to allow access to the mutilated body.
Authorities had previously warned villagers about the presence of a tiger in the area and advised them to remain vigilant. In response to the attack, the Forest Department has taken several measures, including the installation of eight camera traps in the vicinity to track the tiger’s movements. Additionally, a team of over 25 personnel has been deployed for continuous patrolling in the area.
The Forest Department announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the family of the deceased. RFO Deurkar assured that the remaining compensation amount would be disbursed to the family after completing the necessary formalities.
The incident has reignited concerns among residents and local leaders about the increasing intrusion of wildlife into human habitats. Chandrapur MLA Jorgewar highlighted the shift in dynamics, where tigers are now venturing into farms and semi-urban areas, posing a direct threat to human lives.
Jorgewar emphasized the need for the Forest Department to demonstrate a firm commitment to safeguarding human lives while respecting wildlife. He pledged to address this issue in the upcoming Assembly session and make it a significant point for future elections.
Chandrapur has witnessed a significant rise in fatalities due to wildlife attacks in recent years. In 2023, there were 22 reported fatalities, with tigers accounting for 21 deaths and one attributed to a leopard. Similarly, in 2022, there were 53 casualties linked to predator attacks, with tigers responsible for 46 deaths and leopards for 7.
The tragic incident involving Ankush Khobragade underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate man-animal conflicts in Chandrapur and similar regions. It calls for a balanced approach that prioritizes both human safety and wildlife conservation, ensuring the coexistence of communities and the preservation of biodiversity.
