A forest guard on routine patrol in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve was seriously injured after being attacked by a tiger on Sunday morning. The incident has heightened concerns over wildlife safety and human-animal conflict in the region, especially amid ongoing tiger census operations and poaching fears.
Details of the Sudden Attack
The attack occurred around 8 am on Sunday near Dobha village in the Manpur buffer zone of the reserve. The guard, identified as Dayaram Ram Baiga, a 48-year-old resident of Dobha, was carrying out his patrol duties as part of the ongoing tiger census exercise when the big cat pounced on him unexpectedly.
According to forest officials, the tiger attacked Baiga in the Bodwah revenue forest area, catching him completely off guard. The animal struck with its claws, inflicting serious injuries on Baiga's head, near his eye, and on his left hand.
Immediate Rescue and Medical Response
Fellow forest staff and local villagers quickly alerted the park authorities. A rescue team rushed to the spot and the injured guard was first taken to the Manpur Community Health Centre for initial aid.
Given the severity of his wounds, particularly the ones close to his eye, Manpur buffer zone officer Mukesh Ahirwar arranged for his urgent referral to Subhash Chandra Medical College in Jabalpur for specialized treatment. Officials confirmed that Baiga is conscious and is undergoing further medical care.
Official Protocol and Area Monitoring
Following the incident, the park management has initiated its standard protocol. This includes closely monitoring the movement of the tiger involved in the area and alerting residents of nearby villages as a precautionary measure.
This attack brings the complex challenges of tiger conservation into sharp focus. While efforts to count and protect the big cats are paramount, the safety of frontline forest staff who work in these habitats remains a critical concern. The incident underscores the ever-present risks of human-animal conflict in India's tiger reserves.
