Mitigation measures intensified following human-tiger conflict

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: With regard to the human-tiger conflict incident reported on February 2 at the 49th Km area along Roing-Anini road, which resulted in the loss of one human life, forest authorities have identified two sub-adult tigers as problem animals.

According to official sources, one of the two identified sub-adult tigers was found dead on February 4. The other sub-adult tiger is yet to be captured, and intensive monitoring and mitigation operations are currently underway.

A combined team comprising officials and experts from Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS), Dibang Territorial Forest Division, Namdapha and Kamlang Tiger Reserves, Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation (CBRC), Pakke, Itanagar Biological Park, and NGO Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) has been deployed across the Mehao WLS landscape, including the Desali area. The operation is being carried out under the close supervision of the Headquarters at Itanagar.

The mitigation efforts are being conducted in coordination with the District Administration, Police, and Panchayati Raj Institutions to ensure public safety, effective response and community cooperation.

Meanwhile, an expert committee from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), New Delhi, and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, has already inspected the preparedness and immediate mitigation measures being implemented to address the ongoing human-tiger conflict scenario.

Confirming the development, Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife), Mehao, Mito Rumi stated that all necessary steps are being taken to prevent further incidents, monitor tiger movement and safeguard both human lives and wildlife in the affected areas.

Forest officials have urged local residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with field teams and follow advisories issued by the authorities until the situation is fully brought under control. (With DIPRO inputs)