Wild boars damage crops in Tral
Locals appeal for the wildlife department’s intervention
Pulwama: The residents of Saimooh and Dadsara villages in Tral area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district have expressed serious concern over the increasing menace of wild boars, alleging that the animals have caused extensive damage to standing crops in the area.
Locals said that the intrusion of wild boars into their agricultural land has become a recurring problem over the past few weeks, leaving them worried about their livelihood.
“Every night these wild boars enter our fields and destroy paddy, maize and vegetable crops. For us, farming is the main source of livelihood, and such destruction is unbearable,” said Abdul Rashid, a local farmer.
Another resident, Ghulam Ahmad, said that despite repeated attempts to keep the animals away, the problem persists. “We have tried fencing and even keeping vigil at night, but nothing has worked. We appeal to the Wildlife Department to take immediate steps and save our crops from further damage,” he said.
The villagers also expressed fear that the presence of wild boars in human habitations could pose a threat to their safety. “Apart from damaging crops, these animals can also attack people. The government must act before the situation worsens,” said Farooq Ahmad, another local.
They have urged the Wildlife Department to conduct a survey of the affected areas and take concrete measures, including capturing or relocating the animals, to provide relief to farmers.
“We are already struggling due to rising input costs and uncertain weather. If wild animals also destroy our fields, how will we survive?” asked Mohammad Ashraf, a farmer.
The residents appealed to authorities to intervene at the earliest and safeguard their livelihood.
