Jharkhand News: Tiger Spotted Again on Ranchi-Tata NH-33, WII Team Launches Search Operation

Ranchi, January 09, 2025: A tiger sighting on the Ranchi-Tata NH-33 has caused a stir among local residents and wildlife authorities. The tiger was reportedly seen near Chainpur village in Chandil and Khunti Turn, sparking fear and curiosity in the area. This marks the second sighting within eight days, prompting swift action from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the Forest Department.

Tiger Sighting on NH-33: Timeline of Events

According to eyewitnesses, the tiger was spotted late Tuesday night. Raj Kumar Mahato, a resident of Chainpur, claimed to have seen the tiger crossing the road while returning home with his family via the Chauli Basa forest route. Similarly, Khunti village resident Apoorva Singh reported spotting the tiger near the Khunti Turn while driving home from Jamshedpur.

These incidents have created a wave of apprehension among locals, with many expressing concerns about safety during nighttime travel.

Local Reactions and Social Media Buzz

The tiger’s presence has not only unsettled the local community but has also sparked widespread discussion on social media. A viral message claimed that a tiger attacked a car near Chainpur canal. However, forest officials have yet to confirm this incident.

Local villagers recall an earlier sighting on December 31, when a tiger was reportedly seen hunting cattle in the Tulgram forest. Despite efforts to track the animal using trail cameras, it remained elusive.

WII Team Investigation Underway

In response to the recent sighting, a team from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has arrived in the region. They are employing advanced scientific methods, including the use of Pug Impression Pads (PIPs) and high-tech cameras, to trace the tiger’s movements.

The PIP technique involves spreading fine sand across potential movement areas to capture the tiger’s footprints. This approach, combined with drone surveillance, is expected to provide critical insights into the tiger’s location and behavior.

Saba Alam Ansari, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), stated, “We have deployed additional cameras and are utilizing drones to ensure a comprehensive search. The safety of the community is our top priority.”

Safety Measures Initiated

To mitigate risks, the Forest Department has issued safety advisories to local residents. Villagers have been urged to avoid venturing into forested areas and to travel in groups when necessary.

Efforts are also underway to alert nearby villages and create awareness about the tiger’s presence. Authorities are coordinating with local leaders to ensure effective communication and precautionary measures.

Previous Sightings and Ongoing Challenges

This is not the first time a tiger has been spotted in the Saranda-Kandra-Tulgram-Balidih corridor. The area, known for its rich biodiversity, has seen sporadic tiger activity in recent years.

However, tracking and relocating the tiger poses significant challenges due to the dense forest cover and the animal’s elusive nature. Despite deploying trail cameras after the December 31 sighting, the tiger avoided detection, highlighting the difficulty of monitoring such a vast and rugged terrain.

The Bigger Picture: Coexistence and Conservation

The tiger’s presence underscores the delicate balance between wildlife and human settlements in the region. Experts emphasize the importance of coexistence and the need for long-term conservation strategies to protect both the tiger and the local community.

The Forest Department, in collaboration with WII, is working to address immediate concerns while also exploring sustainable solutions to minimize human-wildlife conflict.