Two Gujarat herders fined 5 lakh each for grazing in Kawal Tiger Reserve
Two herders from Gujarat were arrested and fined Rs 5 lakh each for illegally grazing livestock inside the Kawal Tiger Reserve in Adilabad. Forest officials said the activity damaged plantations and grasslands and posed a threat to tiger habitat
Adilabad: Two traditional herders from Gujarat were arrested and fined Rs 5 lakh each for allegedly grazing goats and camels inside the Kawal Tiger Reserve in Adilabad district on Monday, officials said. Forest authorities described it as the first instance in the country where such a steep penalty has been imposed on grazers.
According to District Forest Officer and KTR Deputy Director Prashant B Patil, Jadhav Karan Singh and Jadhav Rama were found grazing nearly 600 goats and five camels in the Sirichelma range under Echoda mandal on February 7, despite warnings from locals.
Following a field inspection, officials observed that plantations worth approximately Rs 85 lakh had suffered damage and forest cover was adversely affected. Grasslands developed to boost herbivore populations and strengthen the prey base for tigers were also found damaged.
A case was registered against the two under relevant forest laws. They were informed of their right to appeal before the Field Director of KTR. After paying the penalty, they left the district and proceeded towards Maharashtra.
Grazing cited as obstacle to tiger movement
Forest officials said cattle grazing remains a significant impediment to tiger habitation in the reserve.
A male tiger from the Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Yavatmal district had reportedly moved towards Kawal forests during winter in search of a mate. However, it is believed to have later moved towards Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, allegedly due to increased grazing pressure inside Kawal.