Agartala, Apr 01, 2024, By Our Correspondent
Tension and apprehension have enveloped the villagers of Kathalia Block in the West Tripura district following a distressing encounter with a Bison from the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary. The incident, which occurred on Monday, left a woman identified as Sridebi Noatia severely injured, prompting a swift response from local authorities and wildlife officials.
According to reports, the Bison, popularly called 'Gobo', launched a sudden and violent attack on Sridebi Noatia while she was going about her daily activities. The severity of her injuries necessitated her immediate transfer to GB Hospital, where she is currently undergoing treatment under the watchful eyes of medical professionals.
In a gesture of concern and solidarity, Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma paid a visit to the victim at the hospital, accompanied by PCCF Dr. Avinash M. Kanfade. Both officials reassured Noatia of the government's unwavering support and pledged to extend all necessary assistance for her recovery. Medical experts attending to her condition have indicated that surgical intervention may be required once her health stabilizes.
The alarming escalation of the situation can be attributed to the Bison's recurrent forays into agricultural fields and its menacing proximity to human settlements in recent days. Despite being a resident of the renowned Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, such aggressive behavior from the Bison has stirred widespread concern among villagers, who have been left on edge by its unpredictable movements.
Responding to the crisis, a concerted effort was initiated by a team comprising forest and wildlife protection personnel to safely relocate the wayward Bison back to its natural habitat within the sanctuary. Subrata Debnath, a police officer from the Jatrapur police station, confirmed that measures, including public announcements and deployment of personnel, were promptly implemented to mitigate the villagers' fears and prevent further escalation of the situation.
Forest Minister Debbarma, addressing reporters, highlighted the state government's commitment to addressing the recurring issue of human-wildlife conflicts, particularly concerning encounters with wild elephants. While refraining from disclosing specific details due to the prevailing Model Code of Conduct, he assured the public of the government's proactive stance in formulating and implementing effective strategies to mitigate such incidents in the future.
As the affected villagers anxiously await the resolution of this unsettling episode, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between human encroachment and wildlife preservation, underscoring the need for sustainable coexistence between man and nature.