New Delhi, August 30, 2024: Operation Bhediya – A wolf responsible for the deaths of at least eight individuals, including seven children, in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district has been successfully captured. This significant breakthrough follows an intense and coordinated effort under Operation Bhediya, launched by state authorities to address the recent surge in wolf attacks.
The wolf, part of a pack of six, was apprehended after a series of strategic actions by the forest department. The recent spate of attacks culminated in the death of an infant on Tuesday night, prompting urgent measures. The wolf was captured using a combination of firecrackers to guide it into a specific area, where it was then tranquillized and transported to a zoo for further care.
Operation Bhediya: A Comprehensive Approach
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Operation Bhediya was launched by the Uttar Pradesh government to tackle the dangerous situation in Bahraich’s Mehsi tehsil. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is personally overseeing the operation, which involves 16 specialized teams working around the clock.
Key to the operation’s success have been the deployment of drone cameras and thermal imaging technology, which have helped track the wolves’ movements. Additionally, forest officials employed a method of burning elephant dung and urine to create a scent that simulates the presence of elephants. This technique is intended to drive the wolves away from human-populated areas, as they typically avoid large animals.
Continued Efforts and Community Safety
While one wolf has been captured, authorities are still searching for two others from the original pack. Efforts include setting traps with bait in remote areas to capture the remaining wolves.
Local authorities have also implemented additional safety measures. District Magistrate Monika Rani announced the installation of doors in homes that lacked them and increased night patrols across the affected villages. ASHA workers are actively engaged in educating residents about safety precautions and the importance of reporting any suspicious wildlife activity.
Operation Bhediya continues with the goal of ensuring the safety of Bahraich’s residents and preventing any further incidents involving these dangerous animals.
