Wildlife Attacks Drive Migration from Uttarakhand’s Hills

The escalating human–wildlife conflict in Uttarakhand has emerged as a major factor driving migration from the state’s hilly regions , with residents forced to live under constant fear of attacks on people, livestock, and crops .

Former Army Subedar Mohan Singh , who returned to his ancestral village Kanalgarh in Bageshwar district after retirement, described a grim reality where villagers must guard family members with firearms even during routine activities. “The terror of wild animals in our village is such that when one member goes to the toilet at night, another stands guard outside with a gun ,” Singh said in a social media post shared by Congress leader Harish Rawat .

Singh took up farming and dairy activities on Rawat’s advice, planting lemon and malta trees and buying cows . However, the situation worsened over the past seven to eight years due to the growing menace of leopards, wild boars, and bears . Recently, one of his cows died after being injured in a leopard attack , he added.

Similar experiences have been reported from other hill districts . Balbir Singh Bisht , who retired from a Dehradun-based job in 2023, renovated his ancestral house in Chauran village of Pauri district with plans to settle there. However, repeated threats from leopards, bears, wild boars, monkeys, and langurs forced him to abandon the idea. “The terror of leopards and bears , followed by the rampage of wild boars, monkeys, and langurs , has made life unbearable ,” Bisht said.

Human–wildlife conflict has long been a challenge in Uttarakhand, particularly in villages near forests , where residents often fall victim to attacks by tigers and leopards , while wild boars, monkeys, and langurs cause extensive crop damage . The problem has intensified in recent years. In 2025 alone , nearly 30 people were killed in attacks by leopards, tigers, and bears in the state.

Referring to the hardships faced by residents of hill villages, Rawat said the menace of wild animals has increased three to four times since 2010 , contributing significantly to out-migration . He estimated that 7 to 10 per cent migration from the hills over the last 12 to 14 years is linked to wildlife threats .

The Rural Development and Migration Prevention Commission has also acknowledged the role of wildlife conflict in migration. Commission chairman S S Negi said that while search for employment remains the primary reason, the terror of wild animals is increasingly being cited. “About 7 to 8 per cent of people have mentioned wildlife menace as the reason for their migration ,” he noted.

A folk song highlighting fear of animals and destruction of crops has recently gained popularity on social media , reflecting villagers’ growing frustration . The song is reportedly addressed to Satpal Maharaj , the MLA from Chaubattakhal in Pauri district and a minister in the state government.

State Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal said the government has ordered an expert study on human–wildlife conflict to work out a permanent solution . Officials have been tasked with assessing the scale of the problem and suggesting long-term mitigation measures .

With its large forest cover , expanding human settlements along forest edges , and rising animal populations , Uttarakhand continues to witness frequent human–animal encounters , raising serious concerns over safety, livelihoods, and rural sustainability in the hill regions .