Tigress Jinath trapped near Mukutmanipur in major Forest Dept capture operation

The forest department has intensified efforts to capture the tigress Jinath, who has been sighted near the Gosaidihi village jungle, bordering the popular Mukutmanipur reservoir. To contain the tigress, a large perimeter of high nylon nets has been set up around the area, with forest personnel stationed along the edges. Radio collar tracking devices are being used to pinpoint her exact location, enabling the team to track her movements accurately. Additionally, two buffaloes have been placed as bait in strategically located traps to lure the tigress into the enclosures.

The Kumari River, which lies near the Gosaidihi jungle, plays a crucial role in the operation. If the tigress manages to cross this river, she would enter the dense, less accessible forests of Rani Bandh and Jhilimili in Bankura. Forest officials have stated that it is not uncommon for tigers to cross rivers, as they are capable swimmers. With the river’s current being weaker during the winter, there are concerns that the tigress could escape into these deeper, more remote forest areas, which are far from human settlements.

Mukutmanipur, a popular tourist destination, sees a significant influx of visitors from December 25th to January 1st, as it is a prime location for picnics and boating. The presence of the tigress has heightened safety concerns among tourists, as the reservoir area is heavily frequented during this time. The forest department has taken extensive precautions to prevent the tiger from venturing into the crowded tourist spots, including monitoring the area and ensuring that all access points to the reservoir are secure.

The ongoing operation is focused on preventing the tigress from evading capture and relocating her to a safer, more controlled environment. If the department succeeds in trapping the animal, the tigress will likely be relocated to an area further from human activity to prevent future encounters. As the operation progresses, forest officials are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts to safely manage the animal while ensuring the safety of the public and the preservation of the region’s wildlife.