Tiger sighted in Bundi forests, state govt alert

Kota, Nov 15 (UNI) The Rajasthan Forest department has been put on the alert over the news of a recent tiger sighting in Ramgarh forest in Bundi district.

The State government, under flak from animal right activists and tiger watchers over the issue of total disappearance of tigers from Sariska sanctuary, has issued special instructions to forest officials and the police in Lakheri and Indergarh to keep a strict vigil.

According to forest department sources, the animal forayed into Ramgarh forest from Ranthambhore sanctuary's Gudha region a few days ago. It is now camping in the rocky areas of Mej river in Indergarh region.

Sources said the department's Principle Secretary Rukmini Haldia has contacted Bundi District Collector for information about the tiger.

If the tiger proceeds towards Ramgarh forests, it is likely to be deprived of food as what remains of the deep jungle now is only bushes. Deer and other animals are no longer found in the area.

The forest officials, tracking its pug marks, have not found carcass of any animal, hunted down by the carnivore. Sources said if the hungry tiger failed to find its natural food, it may prey on the livestock in the surrounding villages.

Bundi District Forest Officer V K Salwan has assured the villagers that compensation would be paid in case of any such attack.

Mr Salwan, through a mass contact programme, asked the villagers to inform the forest department officials immediately if they sighted the tiger or even saw its pug marks.

In the past 24 hours, the tiger is believed to have travelled five km on the banks of Mej river in Sahanpur region and spent Monday night there.

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