The Wildlife Institute of India team, which is spearheading the translocation of tigers from Ranthambore to Sariska, is treading with caution to ensure a smooth run. The project managers have now decided to perform a trial run with Indian Air Force officers before the tigers are airlifted to their enclosure. “We have contacted the Ministry of Defence and the chopper will be arriving soon. A wing commander has already arrived. We will have a trial run tomorrow or the day after. The exercise would be followed by the tiger translocation,” says Meena Gupta, Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests. Three helipads — in Sawai Madhopur, Sariska and Ranthambore — have been identified and the Jodhpur Unit of IAF would provide the helicopter.Three observation posts have been erected in Sariska to monitor the tigers fitted with satellite collars after their release in the enclosure. Project associates say the tigers will be airlifted in a partially sedated condition, and hope the tiger and the tigress will settle down soon before the breeding season starts in October.In the first phase, the male tiger would be allowed to breed with the female in order to let the big cats settle. In the next phase, in winter, a second tigress would be translocated. Significantly, the site for relocation, at Naya Paani, is approximately 15 to 17 kilometres away from the ancient Pandupole temple, which has been major tourist attraction, to keep the animals away from places frequented by humans.The state is also trying to ensure that human interference — including poaching — is at its minimum. For the first time in the history of the Park, visitors will be discouraged from visiting the ancient temple in the heart of the tiger reserve in Sariska. Villagers are also being relocated. “Devotees who want to visit the temple will be discouraged to do so,” says Rajasthan Chief Wildlife Warden R N Mehrotra.Mehrotra also said that Rs 26 crore have been set aside to relocate the 11 villages from the area. “Two villages will be relocated this year, land for which has been identified. Two important valleys will gradually be completely vacated, to allow the tiger population to grow. The aim is to remove all 11 villages,” he said.
