Tiger sightings near Polavaram project disrupt work, trigger alert

A tiger that has been moving through forest areas in Eluru and East Godavari districts has now been spotted near the Polavaram project site, causing concern among labourers and staff working there. Forest officials tracking the animal have recorded its presence near Devaragondi village and close to the P. Regulator of the Polavaram project over the past two days.

The big cat has also been seen in hillocks near Muttappakota, Itukalakota and other tribal habitations. Its presence has left workers at the twin tunnels and P. Regulator worried, with many now reluctant to report for duty. The animal is also reported to have killed a cow and a calf in nearby vegetation. Forest personnel recovered the carcasses, while veterinary doctors are attending to another calf injured in the attack.

Forest officials visited tribal settlements on Tuesday and interacted with residents. The tiger, which had earlier moved into the Papikonda National Park, has returned to villages in Eluru district. Officials have advised workers engaged at the twin tunnels and P. Regulator not to move alone or venture out at night. Many labourers at the site are from Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Jharkhand.

Villagers have been cautioned against entering forests or climbing hillocks to collect forest produce. A Forest Department officer said the animal's movements are being monitored continuously, though radio signals are lost when it enters dense forest. Medical and rescue teams are stationed in the area to trap the tiger.