In a tense overnight operation, the Kerala Forest Department worked tirelessly on Tuesday night to drive a straying tiger back into the safety of the woods in Wayanad district. The big cat, which had caused alarm among residents in the Padikkam Vayal and Chekkalloor areas, was coaxed towards the forest using controlled bursts of crackers after being tracked with advanced thermal drones.
The Tiger's Trail and Tactical Tracking
The tiger first entered the Padikkam Vayal area under the north Wayanad forest division on Monday. By Tuesday, forest officials had successfully tracked the animal to a wooded patch, which was surrounded by the paddy fields of Chekkalloor. Using thermal drone technology, the team pinpointed the tiger's location by noon. However, strategizing for a safer outcome, they decided to wait for nightfall to begin their primary drive operation.
The tiger was identified as a healthy five-year-old male, catalogued in the forest department's database as WWS-112. This identification confirms it is a resident of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. South Wayanad divisional forest officer Ajith K Raman noted that the animal appeared in good health and was likely to return to nearby forested regions, with the nearest Neervaram forest being just 2 kilometres away.
The Nighttime Drive Operation Unfolds
As darkness enveloped the area, the forest team sprang into action. Crackers were burst strategically to create a disturbance that would encourage the tiger to move away from human habitation and towards the forest. The plan showed initial success as the tiger emerged from its wooded hideout and retreated into thicker foliage.
Anticipating that the animal might veer towards residential zones, officials used loudspeakers to issue urgent advisories, requesting locals to remain indoors as a precautionary measure. Chief wildlife warden Pramod G Krishnan had laid out a clear protocol: first, attempt to drive the tiger back; if that fails, deploy cages; and only as a final measure, resort to tranquilizing and capturing the animal. Reassuringly, the tiger has not attacked any cattle so far.
Massive Deployment and Precautionary Measures
The forest department has committed significant resources to ensure a safe resolution. A team of approximately 80 forest personnel is on the ground, managing the situation. To assist in the delicate operation, two trained kumki elephants named Vikas and Bharat have been stationed in the area.
Local authorities have not taken any chances with public safety. Prohibitory orders are currently in effect across 10 wards of the Panamaram and Kaniyambetta panchayats. As an added precaution, schools and anganwadis (childcare centres) in the vicinity have been closed temporarily to prevent any risk to children.
The situation remains dynamic, with forest teams monitoring the tiger's movements closely, hoping the animal will find its way back to its natural habitat in the sanctuary without further incident.
