Team Herald
PONDA: Taking serious note of the tragedy wherein a woman was killed in a wild bison attack, the Forest Department has dug a trench at Bondbag Bethora to stop the entry of wild animals in the village in a bid to prevent human-animal conflict.
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It may be recalled that the 60-year-old Mangal Shantaram Gaude died after being attacked by a wild bison on October 13 while trying to chase away the animal grazing in her backyard. She suffered a puncture wound in abdomen and succumbed to injuries in Goa Medical College and Hospital at Bambolim.
The incident sent shock waves among the locals who demanded that the Forest Department adopt safety measures and compensated the victim’s family.
The villagers alleged that with trees being cut for constructing roads and highways, the animals have started entering residential areas in the villages.
According to Forest officials, a km long trench has been dug to prevent the entry of wild bison into the village by ensuring the safety of locals. Besides, the Forest Department plans to install solar-powered fencing to restrict entry of gaurs in villages.
The forest officials hope this will reduce the human-animal conflict to some extent.
The department has also announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to Mangal’s family. It is learnt that of the Rs 10 lakh, Rs 7 lakh has already been disbursed.
