Chandrapur, March 16 A case has been registered under the Wildlife (Protection) Act against some individuals in connection with a tiger incident on March 16 on the Padmapur-Moharli road in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra, according to officials from the forest department, who made the announcement on Monday.
They also clarified that the incident did not occur within the safari zone of the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.
A statement said that in the March 16 incident, a video of which went viral, a tiger was seen crossing the Padmapur-Moharli road, and some people were seen getting out of their vehicle, which led to the registration of a case against them under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
"The TATR administration clarifies that the incident occurred on the Padmapur-Moharli road, which is open to the public, and not within the safari zone. TATR consists of two areas: the core and the buffer zone. The buffer zone is a multi-use landscape where 95 villages are interspersed with forests. Public roads pass through this area, providing connectivity to these villages, and MSRTC buses also operate on them," it said.
Furthermore, since resorts are located outside the forest, both tourists and local residents frequently travel through this region, the statement pointed out, adding that, similar to the core area, the buffer area also supports a healthy population of tigers.
"The Padmapur-Moharli road serves as an important entry route from Chandrapur city, and therefore, experiences regular traffic movement. As forests exist on both sides of the road, the movement of wild animals across the road is possible. To regulate traffic and ensure safety, the administration has implemented several measures," it said.
At the Padmapur check post, all vehicles are inspected, and vehicle numbers and tourist details are recorded, while another check post near Moharli conducts further monitoring of vehicle movement, the release informed.
To ensure that vehicles do not stop inside forest stretches, PRT teams and forest guards conduct regular patrols.
"No-entry barriers have been installed at every forest entry point and fire line. Workers at protection huts and fire watchers continuously patrol the area. Night patrols are also conducted, and strict action is taken against any unauthorised movement. Wild animals may move across public roads passing through forest areas," it said.
Therefore, motorists and passengers are requested to strictly follow the rules, avoid getting down from their vehicles, and refrain from any behaviour that may disturb wildlife and pose a threat to their lives, the release said.