A recent video showing a man dangerously close to tiger cubs at Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan has led to a First Information Report (FIR) being filed under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The incident occurred near the Devpura Dam in the Phalodi Range, where a tigress, identified as T-2302, had given birth to three cubs inside a concrete pipe.
The Incident: A Serious Breach of Wildlife Safety
The video surfaced showing the individual entering the large water pipe sheltering the tiger cubs, touching and playing with them while recording the act. This act has raised serious concerns about security lapses in one of India’s most important tiger reserves.
Ranthambore Divisional Forest Officer Ramanand Bhakar confirmed that investigations are underway to identify the individual and understand how he accessed such a sensitive zone within the park. The man’s identity remains unknown at this point.
Legal Action Under the Wildlife Protection Act
The FIR registered includes multiple sections of the Wildlife Protection Act:
- Section 27: Restriction on entry into a sanctuary
- Section 50: Powers of entry, search, arrest, and detention
- Section 51: Penalties for violations
These laws are in place to protect endangered species like tigers, ensuring their habitats are undisturbed and secure.
About Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Conservation
Ranthambore National Park is home to approximately 80 tigers and is one of the key reserves under Project Tiger, India’s flagship tiger conservation initiative launched in 1973. The park has faced scrutiny recently for several security lapses and human-wildlife conflicts, including fatalities of a forest ranger and a young child.
Wildlife conservationists have condemned the incident, calling it a “serious lapse” in park management and urging authorities like the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to strictly enforce security guidelines.
The Bigger Picture: Protecting India’s Tigers
Tigers in India are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act and are a crucial part of India’s biodiversity. Ensuring strict vigilance and monitoring in tiger habitats like Ranthambore is essential to prevent such incidents and safeguard these majestic animals.
This incident underscores the need for improved surveillance technologies, increased forest ranger patrols, and community awareness to prevent future breaches.
Related Articles and Resources
- Project Tiger: India’s Tiger Conservation Program
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Full Text
- Ranthambore National Park Official Website
- Read more about Human-Wildlife Conflict in India
- Latest updates on Rajasthan Wildlife News
Conclusion
The case filed against the man caught touching tiger cubs at Ranthambore National Park highlights the critical importance of protecting endangered wildlife and enforcing stringent security measures. As the investigation proceeds, it is imperative for authorities to strengthen their monitoring systems and prevent such dangerous intrusions in the future.
