PILIBHIT: The poor quality of the 9-foot-high chain-link fencing, spanning 42.5 km between the Mala, Mahof, and Barahi forest ranges of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) and adjacent agricultural fields, has undermined efforts to mitigate man-tiger conflicts.
Initially introduced in a 17.5 km stretch as a pilot project in 2019-20, the fencing was expanded by 25 km in 2023-24, costing Rs 7.75 crore, after PTR authorities claimed it was more effective than solar fencing.
PTR authorities initially deemed the chain-link fencing sturdy enough to last decades. However, it has sustained significant damage, with the base wall deteriorating and the wire mesh bent by illegal infiltrators. This damage has failed to prevent wild animals, especially tigers, from entering agricultural fields and has not curbed human infiltration into the core forest area, perpetuating man-wildlife conflicts.
A member of the field forest force, speaking anonymously, revealed that the inferior quality of the fencing had been reported to the former Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), who took no action.
The current DFO of PTR, Manish Singh, said, “a panel of forest officials has been formed to investigate and report within a week. Inquiries into the fencing work in the Barahi forest range will be handled by the Haripur range officer, while the Mahof range officer will examine the Mala forest range, and vice versa.”
“Since the contractor’s final payment has not been cleared and sufficient funds, including security money, remain with the department, the contractor will be directed to repair the damages and ensure the fencing meets the assigned standards, Singh added.
Initially introduced in a 17.5 km stretch as a pilot project in 2019-20, the fencing was expanded by 25 km in 2023-24, costing Rs 7.75 crore, after PTR authorities claimed it was more effective than solar fencing.
PTR authorities initially deemed the chain-link fencing sturdy enough to last decades. However, it has sustained significant damage, with the base wall deteriorating and the wire mesh bent by illegal infiltrators. This damage has failed to prevent wild animals, especially tigers, from entering agricultural fields and has not curbed human infiltration into the core forest area, perpetuating man-wildlife conflicts.
A member of the field forest force, speaking anonymously, revealed that the inferior quality of the fencing had been reported to the former Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), who took no action.
The current DFO of PTR, Manish Singh, said, “a panel of forest officials has been formed to investigate and report within a week. Inquiries into the fencing work in the Barahi forest range will be handled by the Haripur range officer, while the Mahof range officer will examine the Mala forest range, and vice versa.”
“Since the contractor’s final payment has not been cleared and sufficient funds, including security money, remain with the department, the contractor will be directed to repair the damages and ensure the fencing meets the assigned standards, Singh added.