Repeated leopard sightings have renewed fear in Khandyusain, an area near Pauri district headquarters on the Pauri-Devprayag state highway. Residents say they are bringing children indoors as evening approaches because the market area lacks working streetlights.
The concern follows the death of a 4-year-old girl in a leopard attack in Khandyusain on November 3. Residents say the incident occurred close to homes and that anxiety about children’s safety remains high.
Residents report fresh sighting
A motorcyclist reportedly saw a leopard on the road at Bantapani, about 100 metres from the market, at around evening 6:30 on Thursday. Local residents say leopards are being seen frequently in and around the area.
Darban Singh, a resident, said the latest sighting had added to the fear already present in the locality. Families are especially concerned during the hours after darkness falls.
Roshan Juyal, another resident, said shops have started closing from 5:00 because of the leopard threat. He said the main road through the market does not have streetlights, leaving people more exposed after dark.
Residents say electricity poles are present in the market, but lights have not been installed on them. Some solar lights are available in parts of the area, although several are not working.
Residents seek functioning lights
Parveshwari Devi said the November 3 incident took place near her home. Since then, she said, children have been kept inside rooms from evening onwards.
She also said residents had asked the village head 2 years ago to replace a non-functioning streetlight, but the light had still not been repaired. The absence of lighting is a concern because homes stand close to the road.
Residents say 2 or 3 solar lights were installed by the administration after the leopard incident. However, they say the problem of non-functioning lights has not been resolved.
Forest department response
Rakhi Juyal, sub-divisional officer of the Pauri Forest Department, said 12 camera traps had been installed in the affected area. She said 2 departmental shooters and 2 private hunters had also been deployed to assist the operation.
Cages have been placed in the area, and forest teams are conducting patrols. The forest officer said the department hoped the team would achieve success soon.
The continuing sightings, the earlier fatal attack and inadequate lighting have left residents limiting evening activity. The immediate concerns raised by residents are the safety of children, earlier market closures and repairs to the area’s non-functioning lights.
Conclusion
Khandyusain residents remain on alert after the November 3 fatal attack and continued leopard sightings. The forest department has deployed surveillance, personnel, cages and patrols, while residents continue to seek safer, functioning street lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where is Khandyusain located?
Khandyusain is located near Pauri district headquarters on the Pauri-Devprayag state highway.
Q. What happened on November 3?
A leopard attacked and killed a 4-year-old girl in Khandyusain.
Q. When was the latest sighting reported?
A motorcyclist reportedly saw a leopard at Bantapani at around evening 6:30 on Thursday.
Q. How far was the sighting from the market?
The leopard was reportedly seen about 100 metres from the market.
Q. What action has the Forest Department taken?
The department has installed 12 camera traps, deployed 2 departmental shooters and 2 private hunters, placed cages and started patrols.
Q. Why are residents concerned about the market area?
Residents say the main road has no streetlights, while some existing solar lights are not working.
Q. How has the leopard threat affected the market?
Residents say shops have started closing from 5:00 because of fear of leopards.
Q. What are families doing to protect children?
Residents say they bring children indoors and keep them in rooms from evening onwards.
