The women of Rudraprayag manage their families by day and protect their crops from wild animals by night. Their courage and hard work in saving crops from leopards, bears, and wild boars are commendable.
Rudraprayag: The night scene in Rampur ward of Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district is unique. Here, women camp in their fields all night to protect their crops from wild animals. Animals like leopards, bears, wild boars, and monkeys are continuously damaging the crops. Local women say this is not just a matter of crops, but also a matter of protecting their hard work and livelihoods.
Women of Rampur engaged in saving crops from wild animals
The women of Rampur ward are busy with household and farm work all day. But when the sun sets, they camp in their fields all night. The objective is to save the crops from sudden attacks by wild animals. The women try to keep the animals away from the fields by lighting fires, making noise, and staying vigilant.
Woman farmer Geeta Kumari explains, "If wild animals destroy the crops grown with our hard work, our entire year's earnings will be ruined. We are scared, but compulsion forces us to stay in the fields all night."
Animal menace and danger
The menace of wild animals is increasing in the hilly regions. Due to a lack of adequate food in the forests, these animals are turning towards populated areas and fields. Leopards and bears not only destroy crops by entering the fields but also pose a threat to the lives of the villagers.
Local villagers reported that leopards and bears had entered the fields multiple times last year as well. In some cases, people were also injured. The continuous conflict between forests and human settlements has further increased the difficulties of the villagers.
Showing courage in protecting crops
The women of Rampur ward are not only facing fear but are also trying to keep animals away from their fields with their strategies. The women maintain vigilance throughout the night with the help of tea and fire. They pay attention to the sounds and movements of wild animals and protect the crops by forming barriers with fellow women.
Local woman Kavita Devi says, "We are scared at night, but if we are not here, the animals will destroy our entire crop. This is necessary for our hard work and our family's livelihood."
Need for Forest Department and Administration for a permanent solution
A permanent solution to this problem is necessary. The Forest Department and the local administration must take effective steps together. The development of safe forest areas for wild animals, mechanisms for security in fields, and educating farmers are essential in this direction.
Relying solely on villagers will not permanently solve the problem. If the Forest Department and the administration work together to implement structural measures, both crop and life security can be ensured.
