Telangana has recently witnessed the movement of tigers through human-dominated landscapes, including agricultural fields near villages in several districts. The Telangana Forest Department has been proactive in responding to these developments, particularly in districts such as Peddapally, Karimnagar, Jagtial, Kamareddy, Siddipet and Yadadri.

District Forest Officers (DFOs) concerned have initiated continuous 24×7 monitoring of tiger movement in line with the Standard Operating Procedures prescribed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Forest teams have been deployed on the ground to track movement patterns, maintain surveillance and alert villagers in advance along probable tiger paths. The DFOs are coordinating closely with district collectors and superintendents of police to manage crowds at cattle kill sites, maintain law and order, and ensure public safety, allowing forest staff to focus on wildlife protection.

District Panchayat Officers have been requested to alert villagers, restrict unnecessary movement in sensitive areas and promptly share information on tiger sightings with nearby forest officials. The Superintending Engineer of TGSPDCL has also been asked to check for illegal electric lines and live wires in agricultural fields to prevent electrocution risks to wildlife, people and livestock. Despite moving through agricultural and inhabited areas, the tiger has not been directly sighted by villagers. Forest officials have clarified that the animal is consciously avoiding human contact and does not pose a threat to human life.

As part of additional measures, NTCA-mandated monitoring committees headed by Conservators of Forests have been formed, with members including veterinary officers, wildlife experts, NGOs and Panchayat Raj representatives. A wildlife expert and veterinarian from Maharashtra’s Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve have visited the affected areas, and their recommendations are being implemented.

Tiger trap cages from Nehru Zoological Park are on standby, veterinary teams with tranquilising equipment are kept ready, and trackers from Kawal and Amrabad Tiger Reserves are on alert. Thermal drones will be deployed for night surveillance, and a State-level technical group with experts from the Wildlife Institute of India and NTCA is being constituted. The Forest Department has urged the public and media to cooperate and spread factual awareness to help manage the situation effectively.