Bandipora: Widespread incidents of wild animal intrusion have been reported from several areas of Bandipora district, including many parts of Hajin, Inderkote and Sumbal, leaving farmers distressed as large stretches of paddy seedlings and other crops have been destroyed.
Reports from villages such as Checkreshipora, Ayathmulla, Ahamshareef, Gamroo, Garoora and Aragam indicate that wild boars, monkeys, and even wild bears are increasingly venturing into agricultural fields, particularly during night and early morning hours. In Garoora and Aragam, farmers said wild bears carried out overnight attacks on paddy seedlings, throwing the entire farming activity into jeopardy.
Locals said the growing presence of wild boars has led to large-scale destruction of paddy fields, while monkeys have been damaging crops near habitation areas, further worsening the situation. The addition of bear attacks in some villages has deepened fear and uncertainty among farmers.
Expressing deep concern over the situation, former minister and senior PDP leader Naeem Akhtar said the repeated destruction of crops poses a serious threat to the livelihood of farmers in the district.
He stated that the issue has persisted for a long time, but the response from the concerned authorities has remained inadequate. “Farmers are suffering silently as their hard work is being destroyed overnight, especially in areas like Hajin where the damage is widespread. The growing menace of wild boars, monkeys, and now bear attacks has only worsened the crisis. This is not just crop loss, but a direct blow to their economic stability,” he said.
Akhtar urged the Wildlife and Agriculture departments to take immediate and coordinated measures to control the rising menace of wild animals and safeguard agricultural land. He also called for timely compensation to affected farmers and the formulation of a long-term strategy to prevent such recurring incidents.
Meanwhile, residents from across Bandipora, particularly from affected villages like Checkreshipora, Ayathmulla, Ahamshareef, Garoora, Gamroo and Aragam, have appealed to the administration to intervene urgently to protect crops and ensure that farmers do not suffer further losses. (KNS)
