Tigers’ Relocation to Debrigarh Delayed Due to Probe

Bhubaneswar: The planned relocation of two Royal Bengal Tigers (RBTs) from Madhya Pradesh to Debrigarh Sanctuary in Odisha’s Bargarh district has been delayed as forest authorities await the outcome of the ongoing investigation into the recent Similipal incident.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) had earlier granted technical clearance for the translocation, but the alleged escape of two tigresses, Zeenat and Yamuna, from Similipal Tiger Reserve has raised concerns. Following these developments, forest officials have decided to reassess the situation before proceeding with the relocation.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF)-Wildlife, Prem Kumar Jha, stated, “We will reassess the situation to decide whether to proceed or not. The decision on moving the tigers to Debrigarh sanctuary will remain on hold pending further review.”

Zeenat and Yamuna, both relocated from Maharashtra to Similipal Tiger Reserve, had ventured out of the reserve. Tigress Yamuna recently moved to Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary in Balasore, while Zeenat, after evading capture for 21 days, was tranquilized in Bankura forest, West Bengal, on December 29.

The PCCF had earlier explained that the tigresses were exploring new territories, a typical behavior for tigers establishing their ranges. Despite multiple failed attempts to tranquilize Zeenat, forest officials in both Odisha and West Bengal are now working together to safely manage the situation.

As the investigation continues, the relocation of the tigers to Debrigarh Sanctuary remains postponed.