Dehradun: Uttarakhand is grappling with a surge in human–wildlife conflict, with leopard attacks averaging eight per month across the state. The crisis has reached alarming levels in Pauri district, where the Education Department has ordered the closure of 55 schools, shifting classes online to protect children.

The drastic step follows a daylight killing in Gajald village last week, when a leopard fatally mauled a villager. The incident sparked furious protests and heightened fear, forcing authorities to declare the predator a man-eater and deploy a designated shooter. Yet, despite intensified search operations, the leopard remains at large.

Lockdown-Like atmosphere

Residents describe the atmosphere as eerily similar to the COVID-19 lockdown. “The leopard’s activity has brought life to a standstill,” said villager Suresh Singh Rawat. “It feels like we are under a self-imposed lockdown again, but this time the threat is not a virus; it’s a predator roaming in broad daylight.”

Markets in affected areas now shut early, with families hurrying home before sunset. Villagers in Gajald and neighbouring Siroly report repeated leopard sightings, intensifying the climate of fear.

Scale of the crisis

Data underscores the severity of the conflict. In the past 25 years, Uttarakhand has recorded 2,683 leopard attacks, leaving 2,126 injured and 547 dead. On average, more than eight attacks occur every month. Wildlife attacks overall are rising: this year alone, there have been 438 incidents, including 44 deaths and 394 injuries. Leopards, tigers, snakes, and elephants are the most frequent aggressors.

Chief Conservator of Forests Ranjan Mishra acknowledged the challenge, stating that “special attention is given to places more sensitive in terms of human–wildlife conflict, and every possible effort is being made to reduce incidents by planning according to sensitivity.”

Education department’s response

The Education Department acted swiftly after the fatal attack. Schools under the BEO circles of Bada, Chardhar, and Dhandhari were ordered shut until Tuesday, with instructions to switch to online teaching. “The safety of our children is paramount,” said Dr. Mukul Kumar Sati, Director of Secondary Education.

District Magistrate Swati S. Bhadauria also revised school and Anganwadi timings, restricting operations strictly between 9:15 am and 3:00 pm. The order aims to minimize exposure during early morning and late evening hours, when leopard activity is often reported.

Public anger and fear

Despite official measures, frustration runs high. Villagers accuse the Forest Department of failing to control the threat. “We demanded immediate culling of the man-eater, but the leopard is still roaming free,” said one resident. The deployment of specialized teams has not eased daily anxiety, with families avoiding fields and children confined indoors.

The fear has reshaped routines. Farmers delay work, shopkeepers close early, and community gatherings are cancelled. For many, survival now means living under constant vigilance.

Human–Wildlife conflict in Uttarakhand

Leopard attacks are not new to Uttarakhand, but their frequency has raised alarm. Experts point to shrinking forest cover, expanding human settlements, and rising prey scarcity as drivers of conflict. Leopards, adaptable predators, often venture into villages in search of food, leading to tragic encounters.