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Five tigers found dead in M M Hills sanctuary, poisoning suspected
Five tigers found dead in M M Hills sanctuary, poisoning suspected

Hans India

time4 days ago

  • Politics
  • Hans India

Five tigers found dead in M M Hills sanctuary, poisoning suspected

Chamarajanagar/Bengaluru: In a deeply disturbing incident, a tigress and her four cubs were found dead under suspicious circumstances in the MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary's Hugyam range in Karnataka. The carcasses, discovered on Wednesday in the Meenyam beat of the forest, have raised serious concerns about the safety of endangered wildlife in the state. According to preliminary reports from forest officials, the mother and her cubs are suspected to have died due to poisoning. A cow carcass was also found in proximity to the site, further fuelling speculation that the tigers may have consumed poisoned bait. The unnatural deaths have prompted swift action from the state government. Karnataka's Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre expressed deep concern over the incident and has ordered a high-level investigation led by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF). In a statement issued to the media, Minister Khandre said, 'The government views this as a very serious matter. The deaths of five tigers, especially in a state known for its commitment to tiger conservation, is a grave loss.' He also directed the forest department to submit a detailed report within three days. The government has instructed the investigating team to thoroughly examine the area, determine the cause of death through post-mortem examinations, and take criminal action if negligence or foul play—including poisoning or electrocution—is confirmed. Department sources added that disciplinary action would also be taken against any forest staff found to be negligent. Karnataka is home to 563 tigers, the second-highest tiger population in India, and has long been seen as a model state for conservation under the National Tiger Conservation Authority's Project Tiger initiative. 'The loss of five tigers in a single day in a state famed for its tiger protection efforts is a tragedy,' said Khandre, recalling the legacy of the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who had initiated Project Tiger in 1973 to safeguard the species from activists and environmentalists have also called for stricter surveillance in sensitive tiger habitats and prompt legal action to deter future results are awaited to confirm the exact cause of death.

Five Tigers Found Dead in Karnataka Sanctuary, Poisoning Suspected
Five Tigers Found Dead in Karnataka Sanctuary, Poisoning Suspected

Hans India

time4 days ago

  • Politics
  • Hans India

Five Tigers Found Dead in Karnataka Sanctuary, Poisoning Suspected

Chamarajanagar/Bengaluru: In a deeply disturbing incident, a tigress and her four cubs were found dead under suspicious circumstances in the MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary's Hugyam range in Karnataka. The carcasses, discovered on Wednesday in the Meenyam beat of the forest, have raised serious concerns about the safety of endangered wildlife in the state. According to preliminary reports from forest officials, the mother and her cubs are suspected to have died due to poisoning. A cow carcass was also found in proximity to the site, further fuelling speculation that the tigers may have consumed poisoned bait. The unnatural deaths have prompted swift action from the state government. Karnataka's Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre expressed deep concern over the incident and has ordered a high-level investigation led by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF). In a statement issued to the media, Minister Khandre said, 'The government views this as a very serious matter. The deaths of five tigers, especially in a state known for its commitment to tiger conservation, is a grave loss.' He also directed the forest department to submit a detailed report within three days. The government has instructed the investigating team to thoroughly examine the area, determine the cause of death through post-mortem examinations, and take criminal action if negligence or foul play—including poisoning or electrocution—is confirmed. Department sources added that disciplinary action would also be taken against any forest staff found to be negligent. Karnataka is home to 563 tigers, the second-highest tiger population in India, and has long been seen as a model state for conservation under the National Tiger Conservation Authority's Project Tiger initiative. 'The loss of five tigers in a single day in a state famed for its tiger protection efforts is a tragedy,' said Khandre, recalling the legacy of the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who had initiated Project Tiger in 1973 to safeguard the species from extinction. Wildlife activists and environmentalists have also called for stricter surveillance in sensitive tiger habitats and prompt legal action to deter future incidents. Post-mortem results are awaited to confirm the exact cause of death.

Jharkhand: Tiger gets trapped in farmer's house, rescued by forest officers
Jharkhand: Tiger gets trapped in farmer's house, rescued by forest officers

Indian Express

time5 days ago

  • General
  • Indian Express

Jharkhand: Tiger gets trapped in farmer's house, rescued by forest officers

An adult Royal Bengal Tiger on Wednesday got trapped after entering a farmer's house in a village in Jharkhand's Ranchi district, triggering panic in the area, but it was later rescued by forest officers. The incident took place in Mardu village in Silli block, close to the inter-state border with West Bengal, under the jurisdiction of Muri police outpost, around 65 km from the state capital Ranchi. 'The tiger entered the house of one Purandar Mahto around 5 am when he stepped outside after opening the door of the house,' Ranchi Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Srikant Verma told PTI. As he saw the animal entering a room of the house, he locked the door from outside, Verma added. Two girls aged around eight years were also inside the house when the tiger entered but they managed to exit safely, he said. A rescue team from the Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR) reached the location, and conducted a rescue operation, successfully trapping and caging the animal, the officer said. 'It was tranquilised after being caged. It was loaded on a vehicle and will be taken to Ranchi's Birsa zoo where it will be kept under observation,' he said. Verma said if the animal was found healthy, it would be released to a safer place, most probably Palamau Tiger Reserve. 'However, the decision on freeing the animal will be taken later,' he said. A team from Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park, also known as Birsa zoo, in Ranchi's Ormanjhi also went to the spot, a zoo official said. 'A veterinarian, compounder and a biologist were sent to the site to provide their expertise,' Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) at Birsa zoo, Ashok Kumar Singh said. Birsa zoo veterinarian O P Sahu told PTI, 'The tiger was rescued successfully and its health condition appears to be good. A thorough examination of the animal will be done.' Prohibitory orders were imposed within 200 metres of Mahto's house in a bid to ensure a smooth rescue operation, Verma said. 'We suspect that the tiger has come from adjoining West Bengal. The village is very close to the inter-state border and there is a large forest in Purulia district,' he added. Mahto, the house owner, said two children, including his daughter, were sleeping inside the room. 'I woke up around 4.30 am and asked my daughter to take the cattle out of the shed. Suddenly, a big animal entered the house. It was roaring and I understood it was a tiger. I safely took another girl, one of my relative's daughters who was sleeping, out of the house and locked the room,' Mahto said. Mahto added he called one of his relatives and told him about the situation and he informed the officials concerned

Himachal CM Sukhu unveils Forest Department's green activity calendar
Himachal CM Sukhu unveils Forest Department's green activity calendar

India Gazette

time23-06-2025

  • Sport
  • India Gazette

Himachal CM Sukhu unveils Forest Department's green activity calendar

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], June 23 (ANI): Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu released an activity calendar for the Forest Department on Monday, showcasing the wide range of environmental programmes conducted across Himachal Pradesh on the occasion of International Environment Day. According to a release, the Forest Department conducted a series of programmes focused on environment protection and its various aspects in educational institutions across the State. The Forest Department celebrated the Environment Day on the themes of 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Nam' and 'Beat the Plastics' in about 1000 educational institutions across the State and witnessed the participation of more than 50,000 students. The department also carried out cleanliness drives around various offices, involving newly recruited Van Mitras, common people and students. The Chief Minister congratulated the department for successfully executing these initiatives and expressed confidence that the department would continue to work for a clean and sustainable environment. He directed the officers to inform the public about the various departmental schemes and ensure public participation in implementing these policies and programmes. Present on the occasion were Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HOFF) Sameer Rastogi and other senior officials of the department. Meanwhile,on Sunday, CM Sukhu said that the state government has launched a vigorous campaign against drug abuse, which is receiving encouraging support from the youth. He added that the government will strengthen this drive and take strict action against drug mafias. He further said that the state government has taken several steps to keep youth away from drugs and promote sports during its tenure. He also felicitated the former Chief Minister, Virbhadra Singh Memorial Pro-Boxing International Championship winners, held at the historic Ridge. Indian boxer Yashpal emerged as the champion and made the country proud with his performance. The championship was inaugurated by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and featured five professional boxers each from India and Russia. MLAs Harish Janartha and Sanjay Awasthi, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Vice Chairman HIMUDA Yashwant Chhajta, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal and other dignitaries were present. (ANI)

Forester killed by poachers
Forester killed by poachers

Hans India

time25-05-2025

  • Hans India

Forester killed by poachers

Bhubaneswar: A forester was killed allegedly by poachers near Kai reserve forest in the early hours of Saturday, officials said. Acting on a tip-off, an eight-member team of the Forest department went to Tantichira village around 3.30 am when they came face to face with the poachers. Soon, the poachers opened fire, and Prahallad Pradhan, the in-charge forester of Hindol range, was shot in the stomach, officials said. He was rushed to a nearby health facility, from where he was taken to Angul district headquarters hospital. There, he was declared dead. Dhenkanal Divisional Forest Officer Sumit Kar said four poachers were arrested and a gun was seized. Expressing grief over the death of the forester, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a compensation of Rs 30 lakh for his family. The Chief Minister directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Prem Kumar Jha to visit the spot and investigate the incident. In a post on X, Jha said, 'In this sad moment, I, on behalf of the Forest and Wildlife department family, wish the departed soul peace and extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family.' Following the incident, Forest Employees' Association secretary (Dhenkanal) Birendra Dehuri said forest guards should be adequately equipped to deal with armed poachers. Forest guards in the State are not provided with firearms, except those in Similipal Tiger Reserve. They patrol the forests with sticks, he said.

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