National

Endangered Snow Leopards in Gangotri National Park at Risk from Canine Encounters

Published

1 year ago

February 12, 2025

The rare snow leopard population in Gangotri National Park, Uttarakhand, faces a serious threat due to attacks by dogs targeting their prey. In response, the State Forest Department is planning to sterilize these dogs to safeguard the food sources essential for the survival of snow leopards in the park.Dogs have emerged as a significant danger to snow leopards in Gangotri National Park by decimating the primary prey that sustains these majestic animals. They have been consistently killing red foxes, Himalayan gorals, bharals, and other wildlife critical to the leopards’ diet. The increasing number of dog attacks on wildlife has raised alarms among park officials. Concerned about the diminishing prey, the management is now formulating a plan to sterilize the dog population in collaboration with the State Forest Department and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).

Earlier, following a request from Gangotri National Park’s management, WII conducted a study on the alarming growth of the dog population in the area. Their findings led to recommendations for sterilization to prevent future increases in the dog population that endanger snow leopards by impacting their food supply.

State forest officials in Dehradun confirmed that Gangotri National Park is developing an action plan for sterilizing the dogs, with guidance from both WII and the State Forest Department.

Gangotri National Park is known as a habitat for the elusive snow leopard, a species typically found at altitudes above 3,000 meters in the Himalayas. According to records from the State Forest Department, the current snow leopard population in the park is approximately 40.

In the high-altitude Himalayan terrain, the key prey for snow leopards includes bharals, kakars, Himalayan gorals, and various herbivores. However, these food sources have been steadily diminishing due to the rising dog population in the park. The dogs primarily scavenge near the camps of the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and the Border Road Organisation.

With the dog population substantially increased, they are now frequently preying on the animals that serve as food for snow leopards. Numerous dog attacks have been recorded by camera traps set up by WII within the national park. This evidence has prompted WII experts to advocate for reducing the dog population to help restore the leopards’ prey base in the park’s ecosystem. WII has also expressed concerns that a depleted prey base could jeopardize the survival of snow leopards, potentially leading to their extinction.

Related Topics:Gangotri National Park Uttarakhand

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National

Jammu University Introduces Fuel-Saving Measures

Published

1 day ago

May 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

National : The University of Jammu has announced several fuel-saving measures following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation. Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai said the university has decided to conduct all PhD viva voce examinations online to reduce travel and save fuel.

The university will also prefer virtual speakers for national and international conferences. In another step, the Academic Council meeting planned in Poonch has been shifted to the Jammu University campus to avoid unnecessary travel.

Prof Rai said the measures will help save fuel, time and resources. He also encouraged university staff to use bicycles and carpool while travelling to the campus.

National

One Year On: Pahalgam Attack Still Haunts the Nation

Published

3 weeks ago

April 21, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: One year after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, the nation remembers the 26 people who lost their lives. The attack took place on April 22 at Baisaran, a popular tourist spot.

At first, reports said only five people were injured. Later, it became clear that it was one of the worst terror attacks in the region in decades. Terrorists came out of the forest and opened fire on tourists.

Survivors said the attackers separated men from women and children. They then shot the men at close range. Many victims were reportedly targeted after being asked about their religion.

A heartbreaking image of Himanshi Narwal sitting beside her husband’s body became a symbol of the tragedy. Her husband, a naval officer, was among those killed.

The group The Resistance front, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. The case was investigated by the National Investigation Agency.

After months of tracking, security forces launched Operation Mahadev. On July 28, 2025, all three terrorists were killed after a long search operation.

The attack remains a painful memory and a reminder of the need for strong security.

National

Social Media Influencer-Turned Gangster Held Abroad

Published

1 month ago

April 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Rao Inderjeet Yadav has been arrested in Dubai. He is wanted in a murder case from Haryana.

He fled India in 2024 after a businessman was killed in Rohtak. Police had been searching for him since then. Officials said Dubai authorities have asked for documents. He is likely to be brought back to India soon.

Yadav faces more than 15 criminal cases. These include extortion, fraud, and illegal land deals. The Enforcement Directorate also investigated him for money laundering. Raids led to the seizure of cash, cars, and documents.

He also ran a music company called Gems Tunes. It produced regional songs.

Yadav had a large social media following. He often showed his rich lifestyle online. He has denied all charges. He claims he is being framed.

Police are now preparing for further action.