Alipurduar, Nov. 2 -- The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has granted permission to bring back Buxa's tigress, BTR TF-1, from Assam. Following the approval, the Forest departments of Bengal and Assam began preparations on Monday near Raimona Tiger Reserve, where the tigress is currently staying.
The two states had jointly decided on Saturday to tranquilise and bring back the tigress, which had moved out of Buxa. However, the operation awaited NTCA clearance over the weekend.
Forest minister Manoj Kumar Oraon reached Raimona on Monday to oversee preparations. "The area has been cordoned off with nets. As it is already evening, the operation will begin at first light on Tuesday," he said.
A specialised team from Buxa, an Airavat rescue vehicle and three trained kumki elephants are being kept ready for the operation.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.