Leopard attacks rise in Uttarakhand: One injured woman airlifted to AIIMS, man killed in Champawat

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Pauri/Champawat: Leopard attacks in Uttarakhand’s hilly districts are increasing, causing fear and anger among villagers. On Tuesday, a woman in Devradi village, Chaubattakhal Assembly constituency of Pauri district, was attacked by a leopard.

During the attack, local youth Ankit Kandari risked his life to rescue the woman from the leopard’s clutches. Villagers provided first aid, but due to her critical condition, she was referred to AIIMS Rishikesh by air ambulance on the instructions of the District Magistrate of Pauri. Doctors are currently treating her.

Fatal attack in Champawat

In another incident, a leopard killed 45-year-old Dev Singh Adhikari in the Barakot area of Champawat district early Tuesday morning. He was attacked while stepping out of his house for daily chores. This is the second death in Barakot within a month, sparking outrage among locals who demanded that the forest department declare the leopard a man-eater and eliminate it.

Forest department action

In response to the rising attacks, the Forest Department has decided to strengthen surveillance. Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Garhwal, Dheeraj Pandey, said local volunteers will be included in monitoring teams to provide immediate information during emergencies.

He added that leopard-affected areas are being monitored using drones, anodes, and camera traps. Women have been advised to inform forest personnel before entering forests, and if needed, school timings will be changed. Forest staff may also assist children in traveling safely to and from school.

Leopard attack statistics

According to official data, 27 people have been killed and over 105 injured in leopard attacks in the last five years across six ranges of the Pauri Garhwal Forest Division.

In 2020, 4 deaths and 12 injuries were reported. In 2021, 6 deaths and 25 injuries occurred. In 2022, 7 deaths and 21 injuries were recorded—the highest in recent years. In 2023, incidents dropped, with 1 death. In 2024-25, 5 deaths and 22 injuries have already been reported. This year alone, leopard attacks have claimed lives in Nagdev, Pokhara, Ameli, Dewa, and Paithani ranges.

Residents demand stronger action from the forest department

The rising number of leopard attacks has created fear in Uttarakhand’s villages. While the bravery of locals like Ankit Kandari offers hope, residents demand stronger action from the forest department. Authorities are working to balance wildlife conservation with human safety in these sensitive areas.