Will have to tranquilise Zeenat if it doesn't return on its own: PCCF

THE state Forest department is seriously contemplating to tranquilise Zeenat, the tigress who moved out of Similipal into neighbouring Jharkhand, if it does not come back on its own over the next few days.

- SUDARSAN MAHARANA @Bhubaneswar

Zeenat had ventured into the Chakulia forest of Jharkhand about 15 to 20 km away from Odisha border. It is now moving southwards and again getting closer to Similipal. Its current location is around 10 km from Odisha border, said PCCF (Wildlife) Prem Kumar Jha.

"However, if it does not come back to Similipal on its own, the option of tranquilising it will be exercised. The tranquilisation will be for the safety of both Zeenat and the local human and domestic animal population along the site of its presence now," Jha told TNIE.