High alert was sounded in the
Shyampur range of Rajaji tiger reserve on Saturday following reports of movement of suspected poachers in
the area The range had recently announced presence of two male cubs and other
adult tigers while the senior officers of the forest department are regularly
inspecting the area since then, camera – trapping has also been installed at
several spots to keep an eye on the big cats and poachers.
According to sources
in the department movement was reported to the officers on Saturday (3rd
Oct 2015) after-noon after which they declared a high alert in the range.
Sources said Bawariya community members, traditionally tiger hunters, were seen
entering the forest of Shyampur range. ‘’We have received information about the
suspected movement in the forest range following which I told officials to
declare a high alert. I also visited the forest area and have sought details
from the staff about the developments every one hour,’’ said chief wildlife
warden. However, he refused to comment
on whether the unidentified persons in
the range belonged to Bawariya community
or not news about the presence
suspected poachers have raised
the concern of scientists, activists and the forest department the scientists
had earlier suggested translocation of tiger from Shyampur Range presently occupied
by over 200 Gujjar families, to the core area of the reserve and formulation of
a long term plan to avoid man animal conflict.
However, chief conservator of
forest, wildlife and intelligence said, ‘’Translocation isn‘t a simply process.
It needs involvement of Notional tiger Conservation Authority followed by
series of plan submission, approval and infrastructure. We are working on those
lines ‘’ the tiger reserve is spread across 1075 sq km, of which 720sq km is
core area and the remaining 355 sq km is a buffer zone . Shyampur range is
spread over 80 sq km, there are around 13 tigers in the reserve – two in the
western part and the remaining 11 in the eastern part.
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