The Andhra Pradesh forest department is actively working to capture a tiger that has been spotted near Rajahmundry town in East Godavari district for the past five days, causing concern among locals. The big cat was confirmed to have killed cattle near Bhupalapatnam village, prompting authorities to sound an alert. Personnel from various agencies, including the forest department, police, and Rapid Action Force, are involved in the operation to capture the tiger and ensure public safety.
East Godavari district Collector Kirthi Chekuri has declared a holiday for schools in the surrounding areas as a precautionary measure. The tiger’s movements have been observed in the G. Yerrampalem area, where it is believed to be confined. Officials have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid venturing into areas where the tiger has been sighted.
Authorities have cautioned people, especially students, children, and the elderly, to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary. Vigilance is advised, with a warning against provoking or harming the tiger. Citizens are instructed to report any tiger sightings or suspicious activities to the relevant forest or police officials promptly.
Twelve teams of forest officials are actively engaged in efforts to capture the tiger. State Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, P.V. Chalapati Rao, has authorized the tranquilization of the tiger for safe relocation back to the forest. Special teams from Pune and Delhi have been summoned to assist in the operation.
Traps have been set up, and tranquilizers and cages are on standby to capture the elusive tiger. The tiger is believed to have entered the region from Maharashtra via Telangana and Chhattisgarh, covering an estimated distance of 600 km in the last 15 days. It has reportedly remained within a 10 to 20-kilometer radius of Rajahmundry, causing anxiety among the public and necessitating constant vigilance from authorities.
Late on Tuesday night, the tiger was sighted near the National Highway close to Diwan Cheruvu center, prompting a temporary halt in traffic as it roamed near a corporate school and the SVBC Convention Centre. Rajanageram MLA B Balarama Krishna confirmed approval from government agencies to tranquilize and safely capture the tiger, given its proximity to human settlements.
