Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve Implements Enhanced Security Measures Following Tourist-Tiger Encounter
In response to a concerning incident where tourists dangerously approached a tiger on a public road, the administration of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Nagpur has announced significant security upgrades. The measures include stationing a dedicated patrol vehicle on the Padmapur-Moharli road and installing CCTV cameras at approximately ten sensitive tiger crossing points in the buffer zone periphery.
Viral Video Sparks Immediate Action
The decision follows a Sunday incident captured in a viral video, which showed a sub-adult cub of tigress Chhoti Madhu attempting to cross the Padmapur-Moharli road. Tourists were filmed stepping out of their vehicles and getting perilously close to the animal with mobile phones to capture footage. As a result, TATR has registered a forest offence under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, highlighting the legal repercussions of such behavior.
Permanent Patrol Presence for Critical Corridor
TATR field director Dr. Prabhu Nath Shukla emphasized that the Padmapur-Moharli stretch is the most sensitive tiger crossing corridor, necessitating a permanent patrol presence. "A vehicle dedicated solely to patrolling this stretch will ensure a faster response when animals are on the road and deter visitors from stopping or alighting," Shukla stated. He added that live CCTV feeds will be monitored from the TATR control room, enabling real-time intervention to prevent similar incidents.
Buffer Zone: A Multi-Use Landscape
Shukla clarified that the incident occurred not in the safari zone but on a public road within the buffer zone. This area is a complex, multi-use landscape where 95 villages are interspersed with forests. State transport buses and resort traffic regularly use the same roads that serve as movement corridors for tigers. "Public roads providing connectivity to these villages pass through this area, and state transport corporation buses operate on them. Since resorts are located outside the forest, both tourists and local residents frequently travel through the buffer. As forests exist on both sides, wild animals crossing the road is a regular occurrence," Shukla explained.
Existing Safety Infrastructure and New Enhancements
The reserve already has several safety measures in place, which will now be bolstered by the new initiatives. Current infrastructure includes:
- Vehicle inspection and tourist registration at the Padmapur check post.
- A second check post near Moharli, where teams patrol to prevent vehicles from stopping inside forest stretches.
- No-entry barriers at every forest entry point and fire line.
- Round-the-clock patrolling by protection hut workers and fire watchers.
- Night patrols, with immediate action taken against unauthorized movement.
With the addition of the dedicated patrol vehicle and CCTV surveillance, TATR aims to enhance protection for both wildlife and human visitors, ensuring safer coexistence in this critical habitat.
