Tiger tranquilised near Kasdol after travelling 20 km, bringing relief to terrified villagers.
Experts stress immediate release into a habitat with corridors to ensure safety and natural behaviour.
By Akshay Lehre
Balodabazar (Kasdol) । Forest Department officials successfully captured a tiger near Kasdol in a well-coordinated operation, bringing relief to the villagers who had been living in fear for weeks. The tiger, which had been spotted wandering through forests of Korda and Lavan, was tranquilised behind Chauhan Petrol Pump in Sector-01, Paras Nagar, roughly 114 kilometres from Raipur. The operation took place on Monday, following continuous surveillance by drones and field officers.
According to officials, the tiger had travelled nearly 20 kilometres, raising concerns among locals. Senior officers led the rescue effort, ensuring that the animal was captured without causing harm to either the tiger or the surrounding communities. The tranquilised tiger is now being transported to Raipur for medical evaluation.
“This is a young tiger, likely on the move in search of a mate,” stated Nitin Singhvi, a wildlife conservationist and environmentalist based in Raipur. “Such tigers often cover vast distances, and it is essential that the Forest Department handles it carefully to avoid injuries or undue stress. A suitable habitat with proper corridors is crucial to its release so it can thrive and fulfil its natural behaviours,” he added.
Police also played a significant role in the operation. Superintendent of Police Balodabazar Vijay Agrawal said, “The tiger was safely tranquilised near Kasdol settlement and is being transported for treatment. Effective coordination between police and Forest Department was instrumental in the rescue’s success.”
The tiger will undergo medical treatment in Raipur, and a collar ID will be fitted for tracking before it is released into a safe and well-connected forest. Officials have assured that its reintegration into the wild will prioritise the animal’s welfare and minimise risks to nearby villages.
The capture of the tiger has brought relief to villagers who were terrified of its presence. “The tiger had become a potential threat, but the joint efforts of officials ensured that it was safely captured without any harm,” a senior officer remarked.
