Kerala's Mananthavady Under 48-Hour Curfew: Schools And Anganwadis Closed; Know Why

Following a tragic incident where a 47-year-old woman named Radha lost her life to a tiger attack while picking coffee in the Priyadarshini Estate in Mananthavady village, Kerala, the state government has taken strict measures to ensure public safety. In light of the attack, and subsequent threats posed by the tiger, which has since been labeled a man-eater, a 48-hour curfew has been implemented in certain areas of Mananthavady Municipality, starting from 6 am today. This curfew aims to prevent further incidents and will last for two days.

To mitigate the impact on education and examinations during this period, local schools, Anganwadis, Madrasas, and tuition centers across Division 1 (Pancharakolli), Division 2 (Pilakavu), and Division 36 (Chirakkara) will remain shut. Students from these areas who attend institutions elsewhere have been given leave from attending classes on January 27 and 28. Additionally, individuals due to appear for the PSC exams or other educational assessments are advised to get in touch with their division councilor for alternative arrangements.

Intensifying Surveillance and Wildlife Management

In response to the heightened threat level, authorities are ramping up their efforts in wildlife management and area surveillance. Minister Saseendran announced the introduction of 100 new cameras in Wayanad, along with the setup of 400 AI cameras throughout the state by March 31. This move aims to bolster monitoring capabilities and prevent future wildlife-related attacks. The clearing of underbrush and intensified surveillance around the affected areas are part of these enhanced safety measures.

The tiger's designation as a man-eater came after careful consideration by the government, including consultations with the Advocate General and other legal experts. This decision received backing from the Chief Minister and marks the first instance of such a declaration in the state. The determination followed a pattern of repeated attacks, including an assault on Beat Forest Officer Jayasurya, a member of the Rapid Response Team (RRT), further underscoring the threat to human lives. A high-level meeting, summoned by the Chief Minister, aimed at addressing public concerns and formulating a strategy to capture the dangerous animal.

Community Response and Government Assurance

The community's reaction to the tragedy and subsequent government actions has been one of intense emotion. During Minister Saseendran's visit to Radha's residence, he was met with protests from local residents. They expressed their frustration, particularly regarding his statement that Radha was killed inside the forest, and blocked his vehicle. Despite the protests, Minister Saseendran addressed the media, assuring the public that all necessary steps would be taken to address the situation. He urged for community support and announced a follow-up meeting on January 29 to discuss further actions. The minister committed to personally overseeing the progress of these measures.

The government's response to the tiger attack in Mananthavady includes a mix of immediate safety measures, such as the imposition of a curfew and the closure of educational institutions, alongside longer-term strategies to enhance wildlife monitoring and management. These actions reflect a comprehensive approach to ensuring public safety while addressing the concerns of the affected community.