Team Herald
PONDA: A herd of six wild bison along with two calves were spotted late Sunday evening at Curti-Bethora highway roadside hill.
Locals say deforestation and hill cutting may be one of the reasons that the herd is moving towards the locality. They have called for protecting the forest and hills. The residents claimed that they were shocked to see a herd of six bison at a time and expressed fear that that these animals could put the lives of the locals at risk.
The locals further said these wild animals are seen on the road as their habitat has been destroyed for construction purposes.
Social activist Sandeep Parkar said “The wild bison is found in the forest. Hills are cut for constructing roads and houses. We can’t blame these animals. The tree felling and hill cutting in private forest area at Curti and Bethora is one of the reasons these wild bison are spotted near roadside.”
Parkar claimed that he had filed complaint with regards to illegal hill cutting and called upon the Forest Department and local panchayat to protect the private forest areas in Curti and Bethora.
Several constructions are coming up in Curti and Bethora forest area which need to be stopped immediately, Parkar said adding that he had informed to Forest Department about the presence of wild bisons at Curti.
Parker said he also recorded a video of the presence of a wild bison at Curti.
It may be recalled that last year a wild bison was spotted in residential area which caused panic among locals. Meanwhile, a forest official said these animals usually roam during the night and may have visited the spot to drink water. The official assured that the forest team would inspect the area.
