Andhra Pradesh News: Once again serious questions have arisen regarding wildlife protection in Andhra Pradesh. A tigress and a leopard died in separate accidents on the same day in the state. These incidents took place in Palnadu and Kurnool districts, which has increased the concern of the forest department as well as the government and environmentalists.
Painful death of tigress on national highway
The first incident occurred in the Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) area in Palnadu district. A tigress collided with an unknown vehicle while crossing the road on National Highway-565 near Shigiripadu check post on Tuesday morning. In this accident, about 12 year old tigress, known as ‘Tiger-80’, died.
According to forest department officials, no obvious traces of blood were found at the spot, but footprints showed that the injured tigress fell down and died after walking for some distance. It is suspected that due to dense fog and the turn of the road, the driver of the vehicle could not see the tigress and this accident occurred.
Order for investigation, action will be taken against the culprits
Markapuram DFO Abdul said that a case has been registered in this matter and an investigation committee has been formed. He said that the vehicle which collided is being identified and if found guilty, strict legal action will be taken against the vehicle owner.
The second incident took place near Kuppagallu railway station in Adoni mandal of Kurnool district. Here, a leopard died on the spot after being hit by a speeding train while crossing the railway track. On the information of Railway Police, Range Officer of Forest Department, Tejaswini reached the spot with her team and started further process by taking possession of the leopard’s dead body.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed grief
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Forest Minister Pawan Kalyan has expressed deep grief over the death of two wildlife on the same day. He has ordered immediate and detailed investigation into both the incidents. It has also been directed that the vehicle responsible for the death of the tigress should be quickly identified and strict action should be taken against the culprits. He also stressed on taking concrete steps to prevent wildlife accidents occurring on railway tracks.
Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is considered to be the largest tiger conservation area of ​​India. Due to increase in the number of tigers here, their movement in the forest and surrounding areas has also increased. In such a situation, there is a constant risk of accidents on roads and railways.
Necessary steps for wildlife protection
Environmental experts say that arrangements for underpasses, eco-bridges and fencing are necessary for wildlife on the national highways and railway lines passing through the forest. Also, speed breakers, warning boards, thermal cameras and speed limits of vehicles at night should be strictly enforced.
Tiger and leopard are protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. The cases that led to his death are considered non-bailable offences. If found guilty, there is a provision of imprisonment up to 7 years along with heavy fine.
