Lakhimpur Kheri, Aug. 8 -- The Dudhwa Tiger Reserve's buffer zone is grappling with an acute shortage of frontline staff even as human-wildlife conflict continues to intensify across its nine forest ranges. Spread over nearly 70,000 hectares, the buffer zone has recorded 72 deaths and 180 injuries in wild animal attacks since the 2021-22 financial year, with leopards accounting for most of the incidents. Seven deaths and 18 injuries have been reported in the current financial year alone, while crocodile attacks have claimed 11 lives and injured 29 people during the period. Despite growing challenge, department is functioning with barely half its sanctioned strength of forest guards. Against 52 sanctioned posts, only 27 guards are deployed. Vacancies also persist at higher levels, with two of 37 forester posts, one of six deputy range officer posts and one of two sub-divisional officer posts lying vacant. The worst-affected ranges include Nighasan, Majhgain, Belrayan and Dhaurahra, where leopard movement frequently brings wildlife into contact with villages. Deputy director of the buffer zone, Kirti Chaudhary, acknowledged the shortage, particularly of forest guards. She said recruitment was under way and senior authorities had assured that vacant posts would be filled. deo kant pandey...