The forest department in collaboration with the Reliance Foundation has launched a toll-free number 1926 to curtail man-animal conflicts. The helpline will work in tandem with the ‘Dial 100’ emergency service.
“The department has introduced a toll-free number 1926 through which villagers can inform the forest authorities about the movement of a big cat in their neighbourhood for prompt assistance,” field director, DTR Ramesh Pandey told PTI on Friday.
“The service has been initiated from Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary where several leopard attacks were reported during past seven months,” he added.
A database of villagers living in the periphery of sensitive forest areas was being prepared and their phone numbers were being collected, the official said.
“Audio and text messages to alert the villagers about big cat movements, advising them not to defecate in the open are already being sent on their mobile numbers,” he added.
The initiative will be launched in other tiger reserves as well, Pandey added.