Movement of tiger triggers panic among coal miners in Mancherial

A migrant tiger sighted near an underground mine in Srirampur triggered panic among coal miners and locals. Officials issued alerts and began awareness measures as multiple transient and resident tigers are suspected to be moving across forests in Mancherial and Kumram Bheem Asifabad districts

Mancherial/Kumram Bheem Asifabad: Panic spread among coal miners after a migrant tiger was sighted near an underground mine in Srirampur on Thursday night.

A tiger moving through the forests of Jaipur mandal is believed to have strayed towards the underground mine before moving into the forests around Venkatapur village in Mandamarri mandal. An ambulance driver captured a video of the animal and shared it on social media, prompting officials to initiate measures to ensure its safe passage and to alert miners working in the area.

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Miners employed at RK-5, RK-7 and New Tech underground mines and motorists travelling in the region voiced concern about their safety, stating that they were living in fear due to the tiger’s movement. They urged Forest officials to take steps to divert the animal and adopt precautions to avoid any human casualty.

At least five tigers, three transient males from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve and two resident females, are suspected to be roaming in the district forests. The transient tigers are reportedly exploring the area in search of territory and mating partners, while the two females have been residing in the Luxettipet and Devapur ranges for nearly a year.

Meanwhile, pugmarks of a tiger were found at Mosam village in Kagaznagar mandal of Kumram Bheem Asifabad district, creating panic among locals. Forest officials said the animal had moved into the forests of Sirpur (T) mandal. They added that awareness measures were being taken to educate villagers about tiger movement and the steps to be followed during wildlife encounters.