Forest Minister Admits Panna Tiger Reserve Has No Tiger
Forest Minister Rajendra Shukla has admitted that Panna Tiger Reserve doesn’t have the big cat anymore; it’s a tiger-less tiger reserve as of now.
Though the fact was revealed by a central probe committee last month itself, Reserve officials launched a search operation in jungle to look for any sign of the presence of the big cat. However, no sign was to be found.
“’The Madhya Pradesh government has constituted a state-level committee to inquire into reasons behind disappearance of tigers. After submission of its report, action will be taken against guilty officials. An administrative reshuffle has been effected for firming up the system,” Mr Shukla told media persons yesterday.
Pointing out that indications were received about a decline in the state’s tiger population, he claimed that measures were being taken to boost and protect the tiger population. Two tigresses were recently brought to Panna from Kanha and Bandhavgarh and a tiger will soon be conveyed there, he said.
