CHANCHAL GOLA | Ramnagar
The Terai Forest Division in Ramnagar has started creating mixed forests in the forest in order to reduce human-tiger conflict. The objective is not only to maintain ecological balance but also to provide tigers and other wildlife with a suitable natural habitat, so that they do not leave the forest and wander towards villages and populated areas.
According to nature and environment expert Ganesh Rawat, teak-dominated forests in the Corbett landscape did not provide sufficient food for wildlife, forcing animals to move towards human settlements. The Forest department has been replacing teak with diverse species to ensure availability of food and cover for prey animals. The sub divisional officer of Terai Forest Division Sandeep Giri said that in the past five years, mixed forests have been developed on about 2,510 hectares of vacant land and areas where teak trees were removed.
Saplings of Amla, Harad, Baheda, Semal and other species have been planted. These plants will provide food for deer, swamp deer, monkeys, elephants and other wildlife, ensuring a prey base for tigers inside the forest. He stated that this initiative aims to keep tigers within forest areas and reduce their movement towards human habitations, while also increasing biodiversity in the Terai forests. Several people in and around the Corbett landscape lost their lives in tiger attacks between November 2023 and January 2025, highlighting the urgency of such measures.
Forest records show that between November 2023 and January 2025, at least 11 people were killed in tiger attacks in the region. Victims included villagers, daily wage workers and women collecting firewood or grass in areas like Dhikala, Dhela Range, Sanvalde, Kyari and nearby villages of Corbett and Terai forest divisions.
