Residents of 3 villages in Chamoli’s Narayanbagar block are seeking immediate help after repeated bear sightings near their homes and fields. The animals have reportedly been seen around Bamiyala, Kafoli and Nolapani, creating fear among local families.
Villagers say the presence of bears is affecting routine work, particularly for women, and has increased concerns about children’s safety. They also report that crops are being damaged as the animals move through areas near the settlements.
Villagers approach forest officials
On Wednesday, residents from Bamiyala and Kafoli went to the Forest Range Officer’s office to raise the issue. They submitted a memorandum requesting action to reduce the threat and drive the bears back towards the forest.
According to the villagers, groups of bears have been moving around the outskirts of the villages. Their account has heightened concern among residents who depend on nearby fields and regularly travel through areas close to the forest.
Forest Range Officer Pradeep Gaud said a forest department team had been sent towards the affected villages after receiving the residents’ request. The department has also given firecrackers to villagers for use in chasing the bears away.
The available information does not state whether any person has been injured or whether the forest team has successfully moved the bears back into the forest. It also does not provide a quantified assessment of crop losses.
Those who submitted the memorandum included Kesher Singh, Kripal Singh, Gopal Singh, Mahendra Singh, MAMAND president Nandi Devi, Sangeeta Devi, Jeet Singh and Uday Singh, among others.
Why the response matters
The forest team’s deployment is the first reported administrative response to the concerns raised by residents of the affected villages. Its work is expected to focus on the areas where bears have been repeatedly observed, although no further operational details were provided.
For families in Bamiyala, Kafoli and Nolapani, the issue involves both personal safety and possible damage to crops. Residents have asked officials to prevent the animals from remaining close to the settlements and to help restore safer movement around the villages.
Conclusion
Repeated bear sightings have unsettled 3 Narayanbagar villages, prompting residents to seek forest department intervention. Officials have sent a team to the affected area and supplied firecrackers, while the reported bear movement and crop damage remain concerns for villagers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which villages have reported repeated bear sightings?
Bamiyala, Kafoli and Nolapani have reported repeated sightings around their settlements.
Q. Where are these villages located?
They are in Narayanbagar block of Chamoli.
Q. How are residents being affected?
Villagers say women’s work, children’s safety and crops are being affected by the bear activity.
Q. What did the villagers ask the forest officials to do?
They requested measures to end the fear and drive the bears back into the forest.
Q. What action has the forest department taken?
A forest team has been sent towards the affected villages.
Q. What equipment were villagers given?
Officials provided firecrackers to help villagers chase the bears away.
Q. Who is the Forest Range Officer mentioned in the report?
Pradeep Gaud is the Forest Range Officer who described the department’s response.
Q. Were any injuries reported?
The available information does not report any injuries.
Q. Has the crop damage been quantified?
No specific figure for crop losses has been provided.
