Khapa Tiger’s Release Delayed Despite Full Recovery; Awaits Official Clearance
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A young tiger rescued from a well in Khapa forest 14 days ago is still waiting to return to the wild. Although the tiger has fully recovered, officials have not yet decided on its release because the required expert committee has not been formed.
The four-year-old male tiger fell into a farm well in Sironji village on February 9 while chasing prey. It remained trapped for almost a day before being rescued in a five-hour operation by the forest department and Transit Treatment Centre (TTC), Seminary Hills. The tiger suffered minor skin damage on its paws due to being in the water for too long but is now completely healed.
According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) rules, a five-member panel must be formed to decide if the tiger can be released. The committee includes representatives from NTCA, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), a wildlife expert, and the forest division in charge. However, this panel has not yet been set up, causing delays.
The tiger has no history of attacking humans or animals, proving that the fall was accidental. If the committee finds it healthy and fit, the tiger will be radio-collared and released in a safe forest area with enough prey and away from human settlements and other dominant male tigers.
TTC coordinator Kundan Hate said, "Veterinarians have declared the tiger fit for release. We have informed the senior officials, but the final decision is still pending. If the release is delayed further, the tiger may get used to human contact, making it harder to return to the wild."
Wildlife experts and conservationists are urging authorities to speed up the process and ensure the tiger’s safe and timely release.
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