Jharsuguda: Panic has gripped fringe villages of Jharsuguda district after fresh tiger pugmarks were spotted in the Bagdihi forest range Monday morning.
According to reports, villagers in Bhukalapada, Ganjudihi, Karlakhman and Jammamal noticed the pugmarks and immediately alerted forest officials.
A Forest department team confirmed that the pugmarks belonged to a Royal Bengal Tiger. Officials from the Bagdihi and neighbouring Bamra ranges have launched a search operation, but the animal has not yet been sighted.
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Jharsuguda Divisional Forest Officer Ashok Manubhatta said the pugmarks matched those of a Royal Bengal Tiger recorded Sunday in Sundargarh division, suggesting the same animal had moved into Jharsuguda.
This marks the first confirmed tiger movement into the district, he added. To monitor the big cat’s activity, the Forest department has installed 20 trap cameras across strategic locations.
Patrol teams from Jharsuguda and Bamra ranges have also been deployed. Residents have been advised not to venture out alone in the morning or evening.
Sources said the tiger had killed a calf in Lanjabahal forest of Sundargarh Sunday, before likely crossing over from neighbouring Chhattisgarh.
PNN
