Nawada: Following mounting losses suffered by farmers due to the menace of nilgai (blue bull), the district administration has initiated action in Bihar’s Nawada district. A shooting operation was carried out in Mahuli panchayat, during which around 10 to 15 nilgai were culled to curb crop damage.
According to local farmers, herds of nilgai have been destroying crops every year, causing severe financial losses. In Mahuli panchayat alone, crop damage worth over Rs 50 lakh was reported annually, pushing many farmers into distress.
The issue was repeatedly raised by Mahuli panchayat mukhiya Vipin Singh, who submitted a written complaint to the Panchayati Raj officer and later met the District Magistrate. Taking cognisance of the matter, the district administration directed the forest department to take necessary action.
Shooter deployed by forest department
Forest department shooter Mohammad Qayum Akhtar from the Magadh region was deployed for the operation. He said that large herds of over 50 nilgai were spotted at several locations in Mahuli panchayat. After assessment, controlled firing was carried out, resulting in the culling of approximately 10 to 15 animals. The carcasses were buried on the spot as per protocol.
Akhtar said nilgai were causing extensive damage to standing crops and advised mukhiyas of other panchayats facing similar problems to approach district authorities for permission to conduct such operations. He also said villagers were asked to stay indoors during the firing due to the long range of bullets, to avoid any untoward incident.
Farmers report recurring losses
Mukhiya representative Tony Singh said his father, Vipin Singh, had been raising the issue consistently on behalf of farmers. “Every year, farmers were incurring losses of more than Rs 50 lakh due to nilgai. The operation could begin only after the District Magistrate intervened,” he said.
Official authorisation for action
In an official communication, it has been stated that in non-forest areas, panchayat mukhiyas have been authorised to facilitate the culling of nilgai (ghodparas) and wild boars to protect crops. Mukhiya can act on written requests from farmers and coordinate with authorised shooters to carry out such operations in affected areas.
The administration has said the measure aims to provide relief to farmers while ensuring controlled and lawful action to manage wildlife-related crop damage.
