CUTTACK: Despite all measures of forest department killing of sheep continues unabated in Niali in the district . On Wednesday, carcass of four more sheep was found in Kuladahijanga village in Niali.The sheep carcass were found at the cattle shed of villager Sarat Bhoi. The incident has triggered severe displeasure among people of Niali, especially the sheep farmers. The villagers have alleged that despite deployment of expert team from Nandankanan zoo, Simlipal National park and Wildlife Institute of India (WII), the forest officials have not managed to trap the predator involved in mass killing of sheep, and poor sheep farmers are paying price for it."Sheep are only source of livelihood of hundreds of sheep farmers in Niali. Forest department's failure in trapping the predator speaks volume about its efficiency," said Bhoi."The forest officials are patting their backs by claiming that fox is killing our sheep but what is its use if they are unable to trap it. The forest department is yet to provide any compensation to me," said Dinabandhu Bhoi, a sheep farmer.Meanwhile, forest officials have claimed that a proposal has been given to the state government recommending for compensation to farmers who lost their sheep in the attack."There is no provision of providing compensation for killing of sheep and goats. We have to make amendment in Wildlife Protection Rules and the entire procedure will take some time," said a forest official.Notably, after failure of Simlipal National Park experts in trapping the predator, the state government had roped in experts from Wildlife Institute of India (WII) for the work. The WII team after examining the spot stated that wolves were responsible for mass killing of sheep. Over 180 sheep have been killed in last two months in Niali.

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