Raipur
After a gap of nearly 15 years, a tiger was sighted in Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary of Chhattisgarh, according to CCF Vishwesh Roy.
Teacher Kanshiram Patel and Bandora gram panchayats Secretary Aemprakash Patel encountered a tiger while driving from Chhaporadih to Sirpur on Sirpur road No. 1 on March 7, 2024, at 5:45 pm. Teacher Patel captured a video of the tiger crossing the road using his mobile phone. The Divisional Forest Officer, Mahasamund, was promptly informed about the sighting. Subsequently, forest officials and employees from the Balodabazar-Bhatapara district conducted night patrols in the area. Villagers from Raykera and Sukulbai villages reported seeing the tiger on March 8. A team, led by Divisional Forest Officers from Mahasamund and Baloda Bazar, along with the Barnawapara Forest Development Corporation, investigated the area following reports of cattle deaths in Amalor and Sukulbai. The methods of cattle killings resembled those of predatory wild animals like ‘tendua.’ Tiger paw marks were discovered during a trek on March 12, and on March 14, the tiger was sighted and confirmed by Baloda Bazaar forest division staff. The Forest Department initiated actions in accordance with guidelines from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), as stated by Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) Vishwesh Roy. Villagers are being cautioned against entering forest areas to avoid encounters with tigers, with continuous night patrols being conducted by departmental staff. Temporary barriers have been set up by the Forest Development Corporation to prevent encroachment in the forest areas. Village chiefs and representatives are being informed during night patrolling to ensure villagers stay out of the forest areas.
