Tiger from Maharashtra Triggers Alarm in Rajahmundry Residential Zones
A tiger that recently migrated from the Tadoba Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra into Andhra Pradesh has been instilling widespread panic among residents on the outskirts of Rajahmundry. The big cat, which entered the East Godavari district via Eluru, has already claimed the lives of three cows and a calf in Thorredu village, located within the Rajahmundry rural mandal.
Sightings in Densely Populated Areas Heighten Concerns
On Tuesday night, the tiger was observed meandering near Auto Nagar, situated between the densely populated localities of Lalacheruvu and Diwancheruvu, close to Rajahmundry. Forest officials, who have been diligently tracking its movements through pug marks, confirmed that in the early hours of Wednesday, the predator killed a buffalo in Raghunadha Puram before proceeding towards the Ankalammathalli hill temple.
Currently, the tiger is believed to be concealed within a cashew plantation adjacent to the satellite city and Hukumpeta area, raising significant safety alarms for the local populace.
Comprehensive Rescue Operations Underway
In response to the escalating situation, an expert team from Pune is scheduled to arrive in Rajahmundry on Thursday with the objective of tranquilising and capturing the tiger. Forest authorities have mobilised guards and veterinary doctors from Vizag and other regions to assist in the operation.
A multi-faceted strategy has been implemented, including:
- Setting up cages and traps in areas where pug marks have been identified.
- Deploying thermal cameras to monitor the tiger's movements during nighttime.
- Utilising drones to enhance tracking capabilities and ensure a swift capture.
Precautionary Measures for Public Safety
Police and forest officials are actively issuing alerts to residents in villages such as Rajanagaram, Sitanagarasm, and the Rajahmundry rural mandals. They are advising people to remain indoors during night hours and secure their cattle within their homes to prevent further incidents.
The collaborative efforts aim to mitigate risks while ensuring the safe relocation of the tiger, underscoring the critical balance between wildlife conservation and community safety in the region.
