Tiger assaults in Karnataka: Combing operations stepped up in H.D. Kote-Sargur area

Forest authorities have intensified combing operations in Sargur taluk of Mysuru district following a spate of tiger assaults that has triggered panic amongst villagers alongside the forest fringes. Three farmers have misplaced their lives in separate incidents over the previous few weeks, whereas one other sufferer, who survived an assault, has misplaced his imaginative and prescient and is at present present process therapy at a hospital in Mysuru.

The newest deadly incident occurred on Friday when a farmer from Hale Heggudilu who had gone to his subject early within the morning was mauled by a tiger.

Following instructions issued by Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre, combing operations have been stepped up throughout forest-bordering farmlands and villages in H.D. Kote and Sargur area.

Additional precautionary measures have been taken in villages the place frequent tiger sightings have been reported. Search and rescue groups are on steady standby.

A particular night-patrol group has been deployed for every day surveillance. A Deputy Range Forest Officer, a forest guard, and two watchers, geared up with a Rapid Response Team (RRT) car will probably be patrolling the villages. The unit has been tasked with patrolling weak zones and issuing security alerts by public deal with methods at any time when tiger motion is detected.

Meanwhile, public consciousness notices have been distributed in villages, faculties, bus stands, and different public locations advising villagers to stay alert and keep away from venturing alone, significantly throughout early morning and evening hours. Leaflets explaining dos and don’ts to stop tiger encounters are additionally being circulated. Forest officers have appealed to villagers to instantly report any tiger sighting.

Amid rising tiger assaults in Mysuru area resulting in the deaths of farmers, the Forest Minister on Friday ordered the closure of the Nagarahole and Bandipur safari operations, together with the suspension of trekking actions in human–wildlife battle zones. The Minister has additionally directed that every one accessible forest personnel be deployed for the operation to seize the elusive tiger.

Mr. Khandre has instructed the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Project Tiger administrators to camp on-site and personally supervise efforts to seize the tiger answerable for the repeated assaults.