Jamshedpur’s Dalma on alert ahead of Sendra Festival

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, May 3: Security has been tightened in the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary ahead of the traditional Sendra festival, scheduled for May 5. Celebrated annually by the tribal community, the festival is marked by symbolic hunting practices. However, with increased wildlife activity, particularly tiger sightings, the forest department is taking no chances this year.

A tiger was recently captured on forest department cameras, prompting heightened vigilance. “The presence of a tiger in Dalma is a serious concern. We are closely monitoring its movements,” said Saba Alam Ansari, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary.

Authorities have implemented strict measures to prevent actual hunting. According to the forest department’s plan, Sendra participants, also known as Sendra Veers, will be stopped at the foothills and not allowed to enter the core forest area. Rituals will be permitted only at designated points under supervision.

To enforce these measures, 11 check posts and 17 routes will be manned by over 55 forest workers, 10 IFS officers and 2 officers from the State Forest Service. “This year, we are coordinating with tribal organizations to strike a balance between tradition and conservation,” said Ansari. “We appeal to everyone to celebrate symbolically and not harm wildlife.”

The department has also warned of strict action against any violation of these rules. Trap cameras and patrolling teams have been deployed for surveillance. Every year, thousands of tribal youth enter the forest armed with traditional weapons. But with the tiger’s presence and conservation concerns, authorities are urging peaceful celebration outside the sanctuary.