Operation Bhediya: What You Need To Know About The Bahraich Wolf Crisis

Operation Bhediya, initiated by the Bahraich forest department, aims to capture wolves after eight fatalities and numerous injuries. Utilizing drone and thermal technologies, the mission has successfully apprehended four wolves, with efforts ongoing to secure the remaining two.

In Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district, the forest department has launched "Operation Bhediya" to capture wolves responsible for recent attacks.

This operation follows the deaths of eight people and injuries to at least 15 others. So far, four wolves have been caught, with two still at large.

Photo Credit: X/ANI

On Thursday, a wolf was captured and transferred to a shelter home. Chief Forest Conservator Renu Singh stated, "For a long time there was the terror of wolves here... Today we have caught a wolf... We will transfer it to the zoo... So far 4 wolves have been caught. There are 2 wolves left, preparations are being made to catch them."

Use of Technology in Operation Bhediya

The Bahraich forest department is using drone cameras and thermal mapping technology under "Operation Bhediya" to track and capture the wolves. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is closely monitoring the operation, while Forest Minister Arun Saxena visited the affected district on Wednesday to meet with victims' families.

Saxena assured residents that efforts are ongoing to capture the remaining wolves and ensure public safety. He advised people to avoid sleeping outdoors at night, keep children inside, and securely lock their doors. Additionally, he recommended that residents move in groups and carry sticks for protection when going outside.

Compensation and Safety Measures

The district administration has provided an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh each to the kin of four deceased individuals. Payments to the families of the remaining victims will be processed soon. The minister assured that the department is on high alert and is doing everything possible to capture the remaining wolves.

A Bahraich police official mentioned on Wednesday night that drones, nets, and cages are being used to catch the wolves. "We are continuously trying to catch the wolves... We are ensuring that no untoward incident takes place anywhere... 8 people have lost their lives and 15 others are injured," he said.

Deployment of Teams

Principal Chief Forest Conservator (Wildlife) Sanjay Srivastava noted that 16 teams have been deployed to capture the wolves, with 12 district-level officers stationed in Bahraich. Additional Principal Chief Forest Conservator Renu Singh will remain on-site until all wolves are captured.

An official statement mentioned that the Chief Wildlife Warden has granted permission to tranquillize the wolves. District Magistrate Monika Rani said doors are being installed in homes lacking them, and night patrols are being conducted in all villages.

ASHA workers have been tasked with raising awareness among residents about safety measures. In a series of attacks over the past 45 days, six children and a woman were among those killed by a pack of wolves in various villages of Mehsi tehsil.

A video shared by ANI showed one of the captured wolves being transferred to a shelter home. The forest department continues its efforts under "Operation Bhediya" to ensure public safety and capture all remaining wolves.