Jharkhand: Nilgai menace on Palamu roads raises safety concerns; motorists urged to stay alert
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Daltonganj, July 31: Nilgais, commonly known as blue bulls, are emerging as a serious road safety hazard in…
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THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, July 31: Nilgais, commonly known as blue bulls, are emerging as a serious road safety hazard in Palamu district, with pedestrians, cyclists and motorists increasingly reporting close encounters with the wild animals on roads connecting Chhatarpur, Hussainabad and Haidernagar.
Residents say the sudden appearance of nilgais on roads has become so common that they now fear the animals more than highway robbers.
Frequent Road Crossings Trigger Safety Concerns
According to locals, while road accidents receive immediate attention, incidents involving nilgais often go underreported, leaving many commuters unaware of the risks posed by the fast-moving animals.
Known for their speed and unpredictable behaviour, nilgais often dash across roads without warning, leading to collisions or near misses involving pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.
On Wednesday, a passenger-laden three-wheeler veered into a roadside ditch near Bahera Bindu Bigha More on the Haidernagar–Japla road after a nilgai suddenly ran across its path.
Sources said the driver swerved to avoid hitting the animal, preventing what could have been a major accident.
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Fatal Encounters Highlight the Growing Risk
In another tragic incident in 2025, a 22-year-old motorcyclist died on the spot after colliding with a nilgai. According to sources, the animal’s horn pierced the rider’s chest, puncturing his heart.
Residents also caution motorists against excessive use of vehicle horns in areas frequented by nilgais.
According to local accounts, loud honking can startle and disorient the animals, causing them to bolt across the road and collide with moving vehicles.
A resident of Haidernagar said, “Once night falls and we travel by car, we look on both sides of the road—not for highway robbers, but to make sure no nilgais are lurking nearby.”
Forest Department Explains Nilgai Behaviour
Forest officials say nilgais are powerful and unpredictable wild animals that may charge if they feel threatened or cornered.
Divisional Forest Officer of the Medininagar Forest Division, Satyam Kumar, said, “Nilgais are grassland animals. Despite their large size and heavy build, they are excellent sprinters and can surprise anyone with their speed.”
Enhanced Compensation for Wildlife-Related Deaths
Regional Chief Conservator of Forests S. R. Natesha said the Jharkhand government has significantly enhanced compensation for fatalities caused by wild animals.
“The compensation for deaths caused by wildlife has been increased from ₹4 lakh to ₹10 lakh. Of this, ₹5 lakh is paid in cash, while the remaining ₹5 lakh is kept as a fixed deposit in a nationalised bank, allowing the bereaved family to use the interest as required,” he said.
Forest officials have appealed to motorists to drive cautiously, particularly during dawn, dusk and night hours, when nilgais are more likely to cross roads in search of food and water.
