Pilibhit, 20th March 2025: On the eve of the International Day of Forests, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department launched Aapka Prahari, a Public Alert System, in the villages of Sanda and Rampuriya (Mahof) in the Marori Development Block of Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh. This initiative aims to reduce human-big cat interactions in forest fringe villages, sensitise local people about human-wildlife conflict and help mitigate potential risks that arise from human-big cat interactions in these vulnerable areas.

As part of this initiative, two e-rickshaws will patrol the villages during critical hours—early morning (4 AM–7 AM) and evening (6 PM–9 PM)—to alert and sensitise residents. During these patrols, informative pamphlets outlining essential dos and don’ts for preventing human-wildlife conflict will be distributed. The Public Alert System will operate in select villages that are particularly vulnerable to human-big cat interactions initially for seven days, with the possibility of need-based extension and feedback from local people and authorities.

E-ricks will patrol the villages and play the Public Service Announcement to alert and sensitise residents  | Photo by Team WTI

The initiative was inaugurated by Shri. Vinit Prakash Srivastava, Range Officer of the Social Forestry Division, Pilibhit, who flagged off the vehicles from Sanda Panchayat Bhawan to commence their outreach in the villages. Shri. Sher Singh, Deputy Range Officer was also present at the event.

In his speech, Shri. Srivastava emphasised that while WTI’s initiative will play a crucial role in raising awareness of human-wildlife conflict, community cooperation is essential for the success of such efforts. He also highlighted that the earth and forests are our collective home, and it is everyone’s responsibility to protect and preserve them.

Dr. Abhishek Ghoshal, Manager & Head of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Division, WTI, expressed that there is an urgent need to ensure the safety of both humans and big cats in the Terai landscape of Uttar Pradesh, fostering stronger coexistence. He shared his humility in lending his voice to the cause and emphasised that, with the cooperation of local communities, the initiative holds great potential to protect both human and big cat lives. Dr. Ghoshal also extended gratitude to the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department for their support in facilitating the initiative, as well as to Chester Zoo for their continued support.

This initiative has been launched in Sanda and Rampuriya (Mahof) in the Marori Development Block, Pilibhit  | Photo by Team WTI

Dr. Dibyadeep Chatterjee, Project Head of WTI, Pilibhit, explained that the goal of Aapka Prahari is to sensitise people in human-wildlife conflict-prone areas during the vulnerable hours of the day which are early mornings and evenings, about the risks they might face, thereby helping reduce probable conflicts with big cats.

Shri. Sher Singh, shared important safety tips with the community, advising them to avoid going out at night, take special care of children and the elderly, and stay vigilant in the presence of wildlife.

On this occasion, WTI field officers Shri Arun Kumar, Shri Debkanta Kabiraj, Shri Archit Mishra and field assistant Shri Rustam Rana were present, along with Sanda Village Head Shri Kunwar Singh, representative Shri Uddesh Kumar, Panchayat Secretary Shri Dharmendra Kumar, Rampuriya Village Head Shri Suraj Pal, and around 50 villagers, including members of the Gram Panchayat.

Read more about WTI’s Terai Tiger Project