Public anger continues to grow in Almora’s Salt region following the death of newly married Shalu Devi, who was killed in a tiger attack in Dabhra Saural, an area bordering the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR). The incident has intensified concerns over the escalating human-wildlife conflict, with four villagers reportedly losing their lives in tiger attacks over the past six months.
On Wednesday, residents from several villages gathered at Mohan Tiraha to protest against what they described as the government’s failure to ensure public safety. Demonstrators raised slogans against the authorities, staged a protest, and observed a symbolic blockade on the National Highway.
Speakers at the gathering said the compensation provided after deaths caused by wildlife attacks is inadequate and cannot compensate for the loss of human lives. They urged the state government and the Forest Department to formulate a long-term policy to address the growing human-wildlife conflict instead of relying only on compensation after tragedies occur.
Protesters also stressed the need to promote self-employment opportunities in hill villages to curb migration while ensuring the safety of those who continue to live in forest-fringe areas.
Villagers Demand Accountability
During the protest, participants paid tribute to 21-year-old Shalu Devi before beginning the demonstration. Addressing the gathering, local residents said fear has gripped villages due to the increasing frequency of tiger attacks.
They argued that while financial assistance to victims’ families is helpful, it cannot replace a comprehensive strategy to prevent such incidents. The protesters demanded that both the state and central governments prepare a permanent policy to reduce human-wildlife conflict and protect people living near forest areas.
They also called for equipping authorised and trained Forest Department personnel with adequate resources to respond effectively to wildlife emergencies. In addition, the protesters demanded that accountability be fixed for officials responsible for lapses in wildlife management and public safety.
The demonstration was attended by former Zila Panchayat member Narayan Singh Rawat, Dhangarhi Pul Sangharsh Samiti president Sunil Tamta, Ghananand Sharma, Bishan Dutt Sharma, Dev Singh, Devendra Singh, Anand Ram, Munish Kumar, Prem Ram, Lalit Upreti, Chandra Singh Rawat, and several local residents. The protesters warned that if concrete safety measures are not implemented soon, they will launch a larger public agitation.
