Tiger Snared, Elephant Tusks Missing in Reserve

A tiger died in a snare, and an elephant's tusks have gone missing within the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, prompting a swift response from Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy. The minister has formally requested a detailed action-taken report from the Forest Department within one week.

This report is to ascertain the exact causes of these serious incidents and investigate any potential dereliction of duty by forest officials. The minister emphasized that such events occurring deep within the reserve highlight significant concerns regarding the effectiveness of the Forest Department's patrolling and monitoring strategies for wildlife protection.

Minister Reddy has declared a policy of zero tolerance for negligence in wildlife protection. He mandated a thorough, scientific investigation into both incidents, including a probe to determine if poaching activities were involved. The minister also stressed the importance of examining any potential connections between the tiger and elephant incidents, and ensuring no evidence is tampered with during the ongoing investigations.

Furthermore, the minister directed Deputy Conservators and Assistant Conservators of Forests across the state to increase their physical presence in forest areas under their jurisdiction. This includes strengthening patrols, directly monitoring personnel performance, and conducting regular anti-poaching activities. Officials are urged to move beyond office-based reporting and actively engage in field inspections to identify and rectify any lapses in the protection system, with strict disciplinary action promised against negligent staff.