Mysuru: Big cat spotted near atomic energy campus

Foresters in Mysuru are on high alert after a tiger was sighted at India’s only Rare Materials Project (RMP), located on the outskirts of west Mysuru. Villagers in the surrounding areas have been informed and three monitoring teams have been set up to track the tiger’s movements.

The tiger was spotted on Monday sitting amid the lush greenery of the sprawling RMP campus, which covers 500 acres and shares its boundary with the Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary, spread over five square miles. The sighting was captured on a mobile phone and the footage has since gone viral. Approximately 150 acres of the campus resemble forested land, providing a suitable habitat for wildlife.

Tigers outside reserves

Project Tiger Director P Ramesh Kumar told TOI that several tigers have been found outside forest areas. Recent incidents include two tiger deaths in road accidents and one tiger found dead after relocation. Currently, about seven tigers are roaming outside Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves. Officials believe the tiger at RMP could be one of them.

“These tigers feed on small animals, including rabbits. There have been no attacks on cattle or humans,” Ramesh Kumar added. The tiger may be seeking forested areas and could move towards the Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary. At present, authorities do not plan to relocate the animal unless it comes into conflict with humans.

Monitoring and safety measures

Deputy Conservator of Forests (Mysuru) K Paramesh said personnel from the Leopard Task Forces and the Hunsur wildlife area are closely monitoring the tiger to ensure the safety of nearby residents. The teams will continue surveillance for several days.

A meeting held on Tuesday with RMP security officers and CISF personnel resulted in several precautionary measures:

  • Vehicles used by staff in shifts should be parked at designated safe locations
  • Wild vegetation around the campus should be cleared promptly
  • Forest officials will continue to visit the site to assess the situation

These steps aim to minimise any potential human-animal conflict while allowing the tiger to roam safely in its temporary habitat.

Conclusion

The tiger sighting at the RMP campus highlights the increasing presence of big cats outside protected reserves in Mysuru. While authorities maintain there is no immediate threat to humans, vigilant monitoring and preventive measures remain crucial in ensuring safety for both wildlife and local residents.