Bhubaneswar: With the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) remaining firm in its decision to suspend the tiger translocation programme in Satkosia Tiger Reserve, Odisha government has finally agreed to relocate Tigress Sundari back to its original abode- Madhya Pradesh.
Speaking on the development, State Chief Wildlife Warden Harishankar Upadhyay said, "Following NTCA letter, Odisha government has agreed to relocate tigress Sundari back to MP. We have already written to Chief Wildlife Warden of Madhya Pradesh. They will send a team for shifting Sundari and relocation will be carried out at any point of time now."
Reportedly, NTCA in its letter had said that tigress T-2 cannot be allowed to be kept in small enclosure any longer. In the interest of Tiger Conservation, the Tigress T-2 shall be withdrawn and brought to Ghorela Centre at Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh with immediate effect for re-wilding and subsequent release to suitable habitat. The letter further stated that the tiger translocation programme at Satkosia tiger reserve shall be suspended till the ground situation improves as per NTCA guidelines, advisories and subsequent feasibility study by NTCA.
Human Elephant Conflict
Apart from shifting of Sundari, Upadhyay informed that the forest department personnel of Odisha will undergo a special training in West Bengal this month to tackle rising human-elephant conflict. During the session, they will be imparted training on how the forest personnel in the neighbouring state have been able to handle the conflict.
"In order to reduce further losses to human habitat, we are sending some of our officers to West Bengal which has been successful in tackling the menace. A special vehicle will be brought from West Bengal to control elephant rampage. As far as radio-collaring the elephants is concerned, the Indian Institute of Science has given an estimation. We need to track wild elephants to ensure that people do not suffer," said Upadhyay.