Mail News Service
Jamshedpur: Five days have passed since the forest department began its search for a tiger that has been roaming the forests near the Swarnarekha river but despite extensive efforts, the big cat has remained elusive. The forest department team, which has been searching the area, has not been able to find the tiger or capture its image on tracking cameras. On both Friday and Saturday, no footprints or signs of the tiger were found nor was any prey discovered in the area.
Shashi Prakash, Ranger, Forest Department, said, “Tiger’s footprints have been found in the forest for two days. Tracking cameras have been set up in different locations, but unfortunately, we have not been able to capture its image. There is a possibility that the tiger has moved out of the area, but we continue our search.”
The situation has caused significant concern among villagers, as the tiger is believed to frequently visit the river to drink water. Due to the tiger’s presence, the forest department has banned villagers from going to the Swarnarekha river, particularly those from Balidih and nearby villages. This ban has caused hardships for the villagers, especially those who rely on the river for bathing. “For the last five days, no one from our village has dared to bathe in the river due to the fear of the tiger,” said a local resident.
As dusk falls, a tense silence descends upon the affected villages. People remain indoors after sunset, fearing the presence of the tiger. “It’s unnerving. As evening approaches, we all lock ourselves indoors,” said another villager.
Despite the tiger’s absence from the tracking cameras, the forest department team remains vigilant. They are hopeful that the tiger is still within the area, though its exact whereabouts remain a mystery. “We are continuing our search, and we urge the villagers to remain cautious. Our team is working around the clock to track the animal,” added Shashi Prakash.
The fear of the tiger continues to haunt the local community but the forest department is determined to locate the animal and ensure the safety of the villagers.
