Rudrapur, Dec. 22 -- In response to a spate of leopard and bear attacks in Uttarakhand's Champawat district, the district administration has sanctioned Rs.22.40 lakh for procuring cages, a tranquiliser gun and other wildlife rescue equipment for the forest department. The move aims to strengthen the department's capacity to capture and relocate wild animals safely amid mounting public concern over rising human-wildlife conflicts. District magistrate Manish Kumar said the decision followed a formal request from the divisional forest officer (DFO), who flagged the urgent need for modern tools to manage wildlife emergencies. "The forest department had sought additional cages and equipment in view of the increasing incidents of man-animal conflict. We have sanctioned the budget to procure the necessary tools for safe rescue operations and to reduce such conflicts," Kumar said. Officials said the funds would be channelled to the forest department through the district disaster management authority under the state disaster response fund. Once released, the department will begin procurement of the equipment. According to the approved proposal, nine cages and a tranquiliser gun will be acquired, along with other safety gear. Of the total amount, Rs.7.50 lakh has been allocated for five cages meant for leopards, and Rs.8 lakh for two cages each for tigers and bears, as well as the tranquiliser gun. Another Rs.1.50 lakh has been earmarked for five wildlife rescue suits, while Rs.1.40 lakh will be used to purchase seven wildlife rescue operation kits. Officials added that the new equipment would facilitate safer capture and relocation of wild animals entering human settlements, while reassuring residents of vulnerable areas. On November 9, a 42-year-old man was killed in a leopard attack in Churani village of Barakot block. On December 9, a 45-year-old resident of Mangoli village died in a similar incident....