Saswat Singhdeo

Angul: The relocation process of tigress 'Sundari' to the core area of Satkosia Tiger Reserve has begun.

According to sources, four teams have been formed which consists of officials of Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Satkosia Forest Department, Kanha Tiger Reserve and Nandankanan Zoological Park.

The officials are jointly monitoring the movement and behaviour of tigress ‘Sundari’ in Satkosia Tiger reserve. While Sundari is currently residing in the buffer zone of the reserve, field director has informed that the relocation process has already begun.

On the other hand, it is not clear whether tranquiliser, trap or any other method will be used to shift Sundari.

"The teams have inspected the forest to trace the position of the tigress. The technical team comprised of doctors and scientists will finally take a decision on how Sundari will be shifted," Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr Sudarshan Panda said.

While the forest officials are trying their best to ensure smooth shifting of the tigress, the villagers want Sundari to be taken back to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.

"The tigress is attacking cattle. We are scared and not able to step out of our homes. The big cat should be shifted back to its initial habitat," Athmallik resident Kumud Chandra Mishra said.

Another Athmallik resident Deepak Sahu said,"Residents were not happy over compensation. It is a good news that the tiger is now being relocated."

On September 18, tension had erupted in Lehedi village under Athmallik forest division of Angul district after the tigress allegedly killed a cow.

It is also being alleged that Sundari had killed a woman at Hatibari village under Tikarpada Forest Range on September 13.

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