Chamoli – A woman from Paukhar in Chamoli district, who went missing after going alone to collect grass, was found alive in the forest the next morning. The rescue teams, initially fearing a wild animal attack after spotting blood stains and her belongings scattered in the jungle, were shocked to discover that she had survived the night in the dense forest.
According to police, 50-year-old Rameshwari Devi from Paw village had gone to the nearby Ghaje Dungra Tok forest on Wednesday morning to collect fodder. When she did not return even by evening, her family and villagers informed the police. A joint search by villagers, police, forest department and SDRF was launched, but darkness forced teams to halt the operation.
During the search, her sickle, rope, dupatta and blood marks were found at one spot, raising strong suspicion of an attack by a leopard or bear. The area had already seen increased bear activity in recent months, which had damaged parked vehicles and caused fear among residents.
On Thursday morning, villagers resumed the search and heard a faint cry for help from inside the forest. They found Rameshwari Devi alive near a rocky patch, though frightened and exhausted. Forest officials, police and SDRF teams rushed to the location after receiving the information and began the rescue process.
Paw village residents say the surrounding forests have seen active movement of bears for nearly two months, forcing locals to move in groups for fodder collection and farming activities. Forest officials have urged villagers not to enter the forest alone and to remain extra cautious in wildlife-active zones.
“Considering the earlier presence of bears in this region, a patrolling team was sent immediately. People are advised to avoid going alone into the forests and stay alert while moving in groups,” said Sarvesh Kumar Dubey, Divisional Forest Officer, Kedarnath Wildlife Division.
