Tigers Death Leads to Compulsory Leave for Forest Officials Amid Ongoing Inquiry

The Forest Department has placed three officials on immediate compulsory leave as part of an inquiry into the deaths of five tigers in Male Mahadeshwara Hills. The deceased tigers, a female and her four cubs, were discovered on June 26 in the Hugyam range. This incident led to the arrest of three individuals, including the owner of a poisoned cow consumed by the tigers.

In response to this incident, Deputy Conservator of Forests Y Chakrapani, Assistant Conservator of Forests Gajanana Hedge, and Deputy Range Forest Officer Madesh have been relieved from their duties until further notice. The department's official order highlighted these actions. Additionally, IFS officer Santosh Kumar G, recently transferred to Bengaluru from MM Hills, has been assigned concurrent charge of this sensitive area.

Wildlife Protection Concerns

The discovery of the tiger carcasses just 100 meters from a road yet unnoticed for two days points to significant lapses in wildlife protection. The department noted that despite an anti-poaching camp being only 800 meters away, there was a failure in safeguarding wildlife. This oversight has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current protective measures.

Media reports indicate that frontline contract staff have not received their wages or allowances for three months. This financial issue has reportedly affected patrolling activities, potentially contributing to the oversight in detecting the tiger deaths promptly. The delay in payment has been a significant hindrance to effective forest management.

Investigation and Accountability

A preliminary review suggests negligence on the part of several officials and patrolling staff. The Deputy Conservator of Forests, Assistant Conservator of Forests, and Deputy Range Forest Officer are among those identified as responsible for this lapse. Consequently, a thorough investigation is deemed necessary to address these failures and ensure accountability within the department.

The forest department's decision to place key officials on leave underscores the seriousness of this incident. It reflects an urgent need to reassess and strengthen wildlife protection protocols in Male Mahadeshwara Hills. The inquiry aims to identify gaps in current practices and implement corrective measures swiftly.

This incident highlights broader issues within forest management and wildlife protection efforts. Ensuring timely payment for frontline staff and improving monitoring systems are crucial steps toward preventing similar occurrences in the future. The department's actions signal a commitment to addressing these challenges effectively.

With inputs from PTI