The Nainital Forest Division has distributed more than 1,000 whistles to schoolchildren in 6 villages near the Manora range, where increased leopard movement has raised concern about safety on routes to and from school.

Forest teams are visiting primary schools to explain how children should respond if they encounter danger. The guidance includes travelling in groups, watching their surroundings and blowing whistles loudly when they suspect a leopard is nearby.

The department believes that loud whistles and other noise may help drive a leopard away. The campaign is intended to increase awareness and reduce the risk of human-wildlife conflict in areas where children use routes passing through or near forested terrain.

Leopard movement reported near homes

The affected villages are Beluwakhan, Bohra village, Padwadangar, Baldiakhan, Jyolikot and Ranibagh. Residents have reported increased leopard movement around these settlements, including in populated areas and near house courtyards.

The animals have also been targeting livestock, adding to anxiety among residents. The forest department is using public participation and awareness efforts as part of its response to the situation.

Ranger Nitin Pant said leopard movement had been recorded in about 6 villages adjoining the Manora range. He said the department had given schoolchildren more than 1,000 whistles because of the possibility of a leopard attacking children while they travel to or from school.

According to Pant, children are being told to stay together and blow their whistles loudly if they sense any danger. The training is intended to help them respond to a possible threat.

Staff shortage limits round-the-clock patrols

Preventing human-wildlife conflict remains a challenge across about 22 gram panchayats adjoining the Manora range. The range has only 15 officers and employees ed, according to the report.

Because the available staff cannot maintain 24-hour patrols in every affected village at the same time, the department is combining community awareness with surveillance measures. Camera traps are being installed at sensitive locations to track leopard activity.

The approach places particular emphasis on schoolchildren and residents who live close to the forest edge. It also allows the department to monitor movement in locations where continuous patrolling is not possible.

Conclusion

More than 1,000 whistles, group-travel guidance and school awareness visits are being used to improve children’s safety in 6 villages near the Manora range, while camera traps help monitor leopard movement amid limited staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why have whistles been given to schoolchildren?

The whistles are intended to help children make loud noise if they sense danger from a leopard.

Q. How many children’s whistles have been distributed?

The forest department has distributed more than 1,000 whistles.

Q. Which villages are affected?

The villages are Beluwakhan, Bohra village, Padwadangar, Baldiakhan, Jyolikot and Ranibagh.

Q. What safety advice have children received?

They have been advised to travel in groups, remain alert and blow their whistles loudly when they sense danger.

Q. How is leopard movement being monitored?

Camera traps are being installed at sensitive locations to monitor leopard activity.

Q. How many staff members are ed in the Manora range?

The range has 15 officers and employees ed.