The increasing number of incidents involving wild animals such as tigers and leopards entering cities is raising serious concerns across India. These incidents are frequently reported, with hunger believed to be the primary reason forcing these animals out of their natural habitats and closer to human settlements. While humans struggle to forage for food in forests, wild animals seem compelled to venture into urban areas in search of sustenance.
Locals are increasingly alarmed by the frequent sightings of these predators near cities. Many are now wondering if these animals are becoming “Atma Nirbhar” (self-reliant) by adapting to urban environments, driven by the food scarcity in their habitats.
Wildlife Incidents Across India in 2024: A Growing Threat
This worrisome trend has been observed in various regions of India in 2024. For instance, in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district, tigers have been repeatedly sighted near human settlements, sparking concern among both locals and wildlife authorities. Similarly, in Uttarakhand, leopards have strayed into towns located near the foothills, reportedly due to the lack of prey in the forests.
In Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh region, another tiger was spotted near villages, causing panic among residents. Karnataka has also witnessed wild animals wandering into the outskirts of Mysuru. Experts believe that deforestation, habitat loss, and dwindling food sources are the major reasons driving wildlife into urban areas, prompting discussions on how humans and animals can coexist in such challenging situations.
Videos of these wild animal sightings are circulating widely on social media, including a recent clip that is reportedly from Miyapur Metro Station in Hyderabad. People are increasingly worried about the growing proximity of wildlife to urban areas.
October 16 Incident: Heroic Action by Loco Pilots Saves 60 Elephants
On 16th October, a heart-stopping moment occurred when around 60 elephants were seen crossing a railway track. This incredible scene was posted on X by Supriya Sahu, IAS, who praised the swift and heroic actions of Loco Pilot Das and Assistant Loco Pilot Umesh Kumar of the 15959 Kamrup Express. They saved the elephant herd by applying emergency brakes between Habaipur and Lamsakhang, Assam thanks to an AI-based Detection System that alerted them to the elephants on the track.
Supriya Sahu highlighted the critical role technology played in averting this disaster. Tamil Nadu’s AI-based surveillance system in Madukkarai, Coimbatore, which uses 24/7 thermal camera monitoring and real-time alerts, has already successfully prevented elephant-train collisions. Implementing similar solutions across vulnerable tracks in India could significantly reduce fatalities and ensure safer coexistence between wildlife and human infrastructure.
