- Questions rise over response time
Budhni, Sehore: A harrowing two-day ordeal unfolded in Budhni, where an injured tigress was found struggling in a Lake near Salkanpur-Itarsi. The dramatic rescue, carried out by a team from Van Vihar Bhopal, has brought to light concerns about delayed response times and put local residents on edge.
The young tigress, estimated to be 15 to 18 months old, was first spotted by local herders in distress. The news reached the Sarpanch of Itarsi Gram Panchayat, who then alerted the forest department. However, initial attempts by the local forest team to coax the tigress out of the water proved unsuccessful, with delays hindering immediate action.
Delayed response prompts intervention from Bhopal
As the situation lingered, concerns about the tigress’s welfare escalated, eventually reaching Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest Department, Ashok Varnwal. This intervention led to the deployment of a specialized rescue team from Van Vihar, Bhopal. Upon their arrival, the team successfully tranquilized and extracted the injured tigress from the pond, transporting her to Bhopal for urgent medical treatment.
“Tiger State” status under scrutiny
This incident has sparked questions about the efficiency of wildlife rescue operations in Madhya Pradesh, a state proudly known as India’s “Tiger State.” The fact that a wild tigress remained injured and distressed in a public area for two full days, despite timely alerts to the forest department, highlights potential lapses in immediate response protocols. The prolonged presence of the tigress in the pond also instilled fear among residents in the surrounding areas.
While the successful rescue by the Van Vihar team is a relief, the event serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in wildlife conservation and the critical need for prompt and coordinated efforts to protect these magnificent creatures.
