Patna: Farmers in rural areas around Patna may soon find relief from crop damage caused by wild animals, after the state government approved controlled measures to tackle the issue.
The Bihar Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has authorised village panchayat heads to grant permission for the culling of nilgai and wild boars in non-forest areas where crops are being damaged.
The decision has been taken under provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, with officials emphasising that the process will be strictly regulated.
Authorities clarified that individuals will not be allowed to kill animals on their own. Instead, only licensed and trained shooters will be permitted to carry out such operations.
To implement the policy, the government is preparing a panel of eligible shooters. Applicants must submit proof of valid arms licences, shooting experience and a clean criminal record before being empanelled.
Applications are to be sent to Aranya Bhawan in Patna, after which a verified list will be shared with local authorities. Panchayat heads can then call on these shooters when required.
Wild boars and nilgai have long been a source of concern for farmers in Bihar, often destroying standing crops overnight and causing significant financial losses. Farmers’ groups have repeatedly demanded intervention, citing the absence of effective deterrents.
Officials say the new policy aims to balance wildlife protection with farmers’ livelihoods, offering a structured response to a persistent rural challenge.
