Tiger movement triggers panic in 7 villages:Farmers avoid going to fields at night in Bhopal; say risk of attacks has increased

Panic has spread across seven villages near Bhopal after continuous tiger movement was reported over the past 12 days. Farmers are avoiding night-time irrigation, while many commuters have changed their routes, fearing an attack. The tiger has been spotted in Kanera and nearby villages located around 25 km from Bhopal. During this period, the big cat has hunted five cows and buffalo. Villages connected to Kanera, Karondkhurd, Kadhaiya, Chhapar, Agariya, Mugaliya Kot, and Chanchad remain on alert. The Forest Department has installed trap cameras, but the tiger has not yet been traced. Bhaskar’s team reached these tiger movement areas to understand the extent of fear among people. Farmers unable to irrigate First, the Bhaskar team reached Kanera village, where the tiger was first spotted. Nearby are the Pul Patra river and a restricted army area. The forest department has installed trap cameras here and at other locations. On Sunday, the Forest Department team searched again, but the tiger could not be found. Mohan Singh Jat, a resident of Kanera and the District Panchayat Vice President, said that farmers have planted vegetable crops along the banks of the Kanera-Agariya and Pul Patra rivers. Farmers used to go there at night for irrigation, but due to the tiger’s movement, they are not venturing out now. There is a wedding at a house built on a farm between Kanera and Agariya, so extra precautions are being taken. Villagers fear that the tiger might reach the village’s populated area. Movement of leopard along with tiger Villagers said that, along with tigers, there is also leopard movement in the area. This area is connected to Raisen. Tigers and leopards have been seen many times in the border area, and they also move in Kanera and the surrounding areas. Bhopal DFO Lokpriya Bharti said, Movement has been observed in Kanera and surrounding villages. There are about 20 tigers around Bhopal, and the number may increase in the new report. However, there are no tigers where movement is currently being reported. Possibly, the tiger might have come here from Raisen district. The forest department team is searching by installing trap cameras. Tigers come out to hunt at night Laxman of Agaria, passing over the bridge of the Pul Patra river, said that tiger movement is being observed at night. Because of this, they are not going to the fields. Many villagers have also stopped grazing cattle. Mohan Singh Jat said that many people have changed their route. They are traveling 5 to 6 km extra to avoid encountering the tiger. Forest department teams are searching After receiving information, the Forest Department team is searching every day, but the tiger could not be traced. On Sunday, too, the team reached the spot. Villagers say that the tiger is reaching the village through hilly and riverside paths. It is preying on cattle tied in threshing floors and outside the village.