KANNUR
Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran has confirmed that the animal that triggered panic at Chathirur over the past few days is not a tiger, as previously suspected, but a leopard.
Addressing the media following a high-level meeting at the Collectorate here on Thursday, he said that the presence of the leopard was confirmed with the help of camera trap footage. The Minister said that efforts were on to capture the leopard, and that three teams of six personnel each were conducting night inspection. The inspection would continue until it was confirmed that no wild animal remained in the area, the Minister said.
Mr. Saseendran also highlighted issues faced by around 25 families in the area who relied on water sourced from the forest. Owing to safety concerns, they are unable to source water. To address the issue, he said that a temporary water tank would be installed outside the forest within three days. The step was being taken under the Disaster Management Act, as the ongoing Jalanidhi project could not meet their immediate needs, he added.
The Minister informed that several cameras had been installed to monitor wildlife presence, and that additional lighting will be provided by local bodies or through coordination with the KSEB.
He also said that the construction of an elephant wall was nearing completion with 90% of the work having been finished.
Published – January 31, 2025 01:48 am IST
