Srinagar, Feb. 18 -- The RTI, filed by activist and lawyer Rasikh Rasool Bhat, reveals 128 incidents of human-animal conflict in Rajwar between 2017-18 and the present. It also shows that wildlife authorities received 136 SOS calls regarding the presence of wild animals in residential areas during the same period. One wild animal was killed, and 22 were captured alive.

Locals allege that the problem worsened after forest clearance was granted for the 40-kilometer Handwara-Bangus road in 2017. They claim the road, which cuts through a large, dense forest, has forced wild animals out of their natural habitat and into closer proximity with human populations. The road traverses compartments 2, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 24,...