Bahraich, Jan. 23 -- The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) has established the state's first "Predator-Proof Housing Cluster" (PPHC) in Lohara village, under the Karikot Gram Panchayat, in the Nishangarh Range of Katarniaghat Wildlife Division, Bahraich district, in a pioneering effort to address the rising man-animal conflict in the region.

The initiative safeguards six closely situated houses belonging to residents Ramdev, Jogendra Singh, Rakesh, Pappu, Kanchhed, and Chunna. For several months, a leopard has frequently prowled the area, preying on livestock and instilling fear among villagers living on the forest fringes.

To protect these households, WTI has enclosed the cluster using sturdy bamboo poles and high-strength plastic nets rea...