Haridwar, Oct. 29 -- The state forest department has deployed armed and tranquiliser-equipped forest squads for round-the-clock patrols across the Garhwal division, after a spike in bear attacks, officials said on Tuesday. The department has also deployed drones to track the movement of bears in dense forest zones with adjoining settlements, said officials. According to officials, several cases of humans and cattle being attacked and killed by bears were reported in Garhwal's Paithani forest range between August and mid-October. The most recent casualty was Vineeta Rana (37) from Bhatwadi's Ongi village, who died on Sunday after being attacked by a bear, they said. "Wildlife movement, especially of bears, is being dealt with on priority. Initially, five forest squads were deployed, which have now been increased to ten," said Abhimanyu Singh, deputy forest conservator (Garhwal Division). He added the increased patrols were yielding positive results in the worst-affected villages in Paithani range, including Kundil, Kucholi, Saunth, Kathyud, and Rikhal. So far, the department has disbursed Rs.5.28 lakh in compensation to 13 affected families for loss of livestock and crop damage, said Singh. "Villagers are being trained to use torches, light wooden logs, spray red pepper smoke to ward off bears, and to strengthen cowshed walls, doors, and fencing with adequate lighting," he added....