Chamarajanagar: In a deeply troubling incident, five tigers were discovered dead on a single day near Gajanur in the Meenyam patrol limits of Hoogyam zone, within the Male Mahadeshwara (MM) Wildlife Sanctuary of Chamarajanagar district. The shocking discovery has sent waves of concern through the forest department and conservation circles.
The sanctuary, known for its growing tiger population, has long awaited official recognition as a tiger reserve. Despite a formal recommendation submitted to the central government, the proposal has yet to be approved. Experts and environmentalists have voiced concern that delays influenced by political interests may have compromised the safety of the big cats.
Environmental activists strongly believe that had MM Hills been declared a tiger reserve, adequate protection measures would likely have been in place, potentially preventing such a tragedy. The lack of official tiger reserve status limits resource allocation, monitoring, and enforcement capabilities, they say.
Forest Minister Ishwar Khandre expressed distress over the deaths and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the cause. He stated that accountability will be enforced and any signs of negligence by officials will be met with strict action.
The incident has intensified calls for upgrading the sanctuary’s status and implementing stronger wildlife protection mechanisms to safeguard the region’s fragile ecosystem and its apex predators.