Villagers protest, torch Dang jungle
In a shocking incident, villagers in reserved Dangs forests torched about 20 hectors of jungle to stage protest against inaction of forest department in stopping the incidents of leopards attacking villagers. In last two months at least eight persons have been killed by leopards in the region. Sources revealed after one Simguben Gavit was killed by leopard on Saturday situation had become tense in the area due to inaction of forest department and for the same reasons principal chief conservator of forests (Wild Life) Pradeep Khanna rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation. On Saturday only villagers of Amsarval, Borpada, Lawatia, Bhendmal, Vangan and Waghmal had threatened serious consequences if proper action is not taken in the increasing number of incidents becoming victim of animal. Sources revealed that as much as 20 hectors of forest falling in reserved compartment number 149 to 151 which includes shrubs, saplings and some of the big trees were set on fire by the villagers. The incident took place at around 4 pm and efforts were initiated to control the fire. Wildfire is nothing unusual in this season. We are yet to get confirmed information about the wildfire in Sakal Patal range, said a senior forest official at Dangs.