Tiger crosses into Khammam from Andhra Pradesh

The Forest Department has issued an alert in Aswaraopet mandal and deployed special task force teams to track the tiger and prevent it from entering human settlements.

Hyderabad: A tiger has reportedly crossed into Khammam from Andhra Pradesh on Thursday, November 12, triggering panic among residents of villages on the Telangana-AP border.

The Forest Department has issued an alert in Aswaraopet mandal and deployed special task force teams to track the tiger and prevent it from entering human settlements.

“The tiger crossed the AP border and moved through the forest areas of Kavadigundla and Chennapuram before reaching the outskirts of Gandlagudem village on Thursday night,” Ashwaraopet Forest Officer M Murali was quoted as saying by the Deccan Chronicle.

Forest officials in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, said the tiger had earlier been collared. The Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker signals last placed it in Regalla and Bachhuvarigudem forest areas. Officials suspect the big cat is in search of prey.

Special teams have been deployed in Gollamadugu, Kavadigundla, H Varigudem and other forest areas along the Telangana-AP border. The task force is organising regular patrols and creating awareness among villagers about safety measures.

Forest officials have advised cattle herders to remain vigilant while taking their animals for grazing and to avoid isolated areas. Villagers have also been cautioned against entering forest areas alone, particularly after dusk.

Residents have been asked to alert the Forest Department immediately if they spot the tiger, its pugmarks or other signs of movement.

Forest officials have assured round-the-clock surveillance, with priority given to public safety, locating the animal and driving it back into the deep forest.