Alipurduar, Oct. 2 -- In a major step towards reintroducing tigers to Buxa in the Alipurduar district, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Union Environment and Forest minister Bhupender Yadav on Friday released a three-year-old tigress into the reserve, marking the beginning of the much-awaited tiger reintroduction programme.

Three more tigers are expected to be brought to Buxa within the next two months, while a proposal is also underway to develop a 2,000-acre world-class

forest tourism destination near Jayanti.

On Gandhi Jayanti, the tigress was released into the Buxa forest after being kept in a 2.2-hectare open enclosure in the 25 Mile area. Forest minister Manoj Kumar Oraon, senior Forest department officials, district administration officials and other guests were present during the release.

After the enclosure gate was opened, the tigress formally entered the Buxa forest. The historic moment was also broadcast live on a giant screen at the Alipurduar Parade Ground, where around 700 students from 70 schools attended a programme on tiger reintroduction. "The tiger reintroduction process has only just begun. In the past, the natural resources of this region were merely exploited. But now, we will utilise these natural resources to attract tourists from across the world. Three more tigers will be released into the Buxa forests within the next two months," Adhikari said.

During the programme, the Chief Minister announced that he would visit Totopara on November 15, observed as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, to hear the grievances of the local community. He also announced a special monthly ration package for every family in Totopara, including rice, pulses, oil, salt, flour and spices. Adhikari said Rs 312 crore had been secured from Union Labour Minister Piyush Goyal for tea garden development, including revamping gardens. He also assured workers of support during the festive season and promised to seek full-fledged university status for Alipurduar University and ensure the district's overall development.

Yadav, speaking at a press conference, described the tiger release as a historic moment. "This is the first step. More tigers will be brought in stages. Over the next 10 to 15 years, the tiger population in Buxa will increase. At the same time, tourism will also grow," Yadav said. Wildlife experts monitored the tigress's journey from Bihar to Buxa. After being tranquilised and medically observed at Valmiki Tiger Reserve, she was flown from Gorakhpur to Hasimara Air Force Station aboard an IAF C-130J aircraft.

On September 30, she entered Buxa through Rajabhatkhawa Gate and was moved to the designated enclosure at 25 Mile. Officials provided food and water and introduced deer to help her retain her hunting instincts.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.