Team Herald
PONDA: Residents of Ponda and nearby villages have raised concerns over increasing human-wildlife conflict, as wild animals, particularly bison, have been spotted roaming through residential areas, causing panic among locals.
The recent widening of the four-lane Borim-Bethora bypass, which runs close to the forest along the Margao-Belgaum Highway, has made it difficult for animals to cross safely. However, no corridors or underpasses have been provided for animal crossings along the 4km stretch. The prolonged delay in creating a crucial corridor for wildlife has led to animals ending up in the city.
Frequent sightings of wild bison, particularly at nights, have alarmed residents in Ponda, as well as in Curti-Khandepar and Bethora village panchayats. Locals fear potential attacks, recalling a tragic incident a few months ago in Bondbag, where a woman was killed after mistakenly trying to drive away a wild bison, believing it to be a buffalo.
To mitigate such conflicts, forest officials previously dug a one-kilometre trench to prevent wild animals from entering villages near the forest. However, this month alone, wild bison have been spotted twice in Ponda City, freely roaming on main roads and causing public panic. Similar incidents have also been reported in Curti Khandepar. Although no untoward incidents have occurred so far, residents are urging authorities to take preventive measures.
When contacted, a National Highway (NH) official in Ponda stated, “If we receive a proposal for the provision of an animal corridor or underpass on the Bethora-Borim road, we will definitely consider it.”
A Ponda Forest Department official acknowledged the issue, stating, “Ponda is close to the forest, and sometimes animals stray into human settlements. We will inform NH authorities about the need for animal corridors to ensure safe crossings.”
Local resident Sandeep Parkar attributed the rising human-wildlife conflict to rapid urbanisation, stating, “No-development zones are being converted into construction sites, disturbing animal habitats.”
With growing concerns over public safety, residents are calling for urgent intervention by both forest and highway authorities to prevent further conflicts.
NH officials says they are ready to construct corridor for animals if they received such proposal.