Gaunaha: In the wake of a tiger attack that claimed the life of Indradev Mahto, a farmer from Banbairiya village in Gaunaha, the West Champaran Forest Department has issued urgent safety guidelines for residents living near forested areas. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, has instilled fear in nearby villages, prompting the formation of security squads by local women.
District Forest Officer (DFO) Pradyumna Gaurav has advised villagers to never venture into forested areas alone. He recommends that farmers should always travel in groups of at least three people. “When near the forest, it’s essential to talk loudly with your companions and make noise, including spitting, to deter any nearby tigers,” he explained.
The forest department has emphasized that if a tiger is encountered, running away is not advisable, as it may provoke an attack. Instead, standing still and remaining calm could lead the tiger to retreat. “Forest workers often employ this tactic when patrolling dense areas—they converse loudly, sing, clap, and spit to stay alert and ward off wildlife,” Gaurav added.
Interestingly, DFO Gaurav noted that when tigers rest in sugarcane fields, they inadvertently protect surrounding crops. “On the day a tiger is present, animals like nilgai and buffalo tend to avoid those fields, safeguarding farmers’ crops from potential damage,” he said.
Farmers are also warned against sitting down in the forest or fields, as this could be mistaken by a tiger for prey. “If you sit on the ground, you may be perceived as a goat or deer, increasing the risk of an attack,” Gaurav cautioned. He reiterated that no one should enter the forest alone, particularly during dawn or dusk when tigers are most active.
