From Bihar to Buxa: Bengal’s first tiger relocation project starts; 4-day curbs on tourism

On October 2, Gandhi Jayanti, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will officially launch the project as the tigress is transferred to a larger 2.2-hectare soft enclosure.

In due course, the animal will be released in the tiger reserve, the minister said.

“The tigress will be devoid of any human contact. The forest department officials will keep a close watch using CCTV cameras put up in different parts of the enclosure. There are plenty of deer in the enclosure for the tigress to hunt. We want first to recreate the environment where she will feel at home. Allow her to adjust to the forest. She will also be radio-collared,” Oraon said.

The minister said the department aims to first set up a unit of tiger and tigresses in Buxa. “A unit means one tiger and two tigresses. But first we will monitor the movement and behaviour of the tigress in the forest. It is a time-consuming scientific process,” said Oraon

The Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR) is undergoing a historic ecological restoration to revive its breeding big-cat population.

Curbs on all tourism activities

To facilitate a secure and seamless release, the forest department has ordered complete closure of all tourism activities in BTR from September 30 to October 3 as part of strict temporary containment rules. This includes a complete suspension of all jeep safaris, day visits, and overnight stays inside the forest.

Tourist entry is strictly barred beyond the Rajabhatkhawa checkpost during the four days.

Beyond the immediate 4-day closure, the forest department has introduced tighter regulations to protect the core tiger corridors.

Earlier, to ensure an undisturbed habitat and expand the prey base, the department successfully relocated 242 households from core villages such as Bhutia Basti and Gangutia Basti.

Buxa Tiger Reserve is a protected forest and national park spanning approximately 760 square kilometers in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal.