Shahdol Beohari Forest, MP: Following a tragic incident in Shahdol district Beohari forest range, where three people were crushed to death by elephants while plucking tendu leaves, the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve has heightened its alert level. With a substantial elephant population residing in Bandhavgarh, authorities are taking proactive measures to prevent similar mishaps.
The victims in Shahdol were reportedly collecting tendu leaves, a common forest activity, when the fatal encounters occurred. Given that tendu leaf plucking also takes place in the buffer zones of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, the management has stepped up awareness campaigns and precautionary measures.
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve’s Field Director, Anupam Sahay, explained, “We have alerted our entire team to ensure the safety of locals and prevent untoward incidents. People involved in tendu leaf collection and nearby villagers are being strongly advised to avoid forest visits during early morning or nighttime hours. It is safer to go during daylight and return promptly.”
He further emphasized the importance of group travel within the forest, stating, “Villagers are instructed not to venture alone and to move in groups. Our teams are conducting regular outreach in villages through announcements and personal advisories.”
Though tendu leaf collection is strictly prohibited in the core zone of the reserve, it is permitted in the buffer zone, where elephants often roam.
Elephants have made Bandhavgarh their home since 2018, when a herd of about 40 elephants migrated from Chhattisgarh and settled permanently. Today, the elephant population ranges between 55 to 60 individuals living in small herds within the core and buffer zones, frequently moving along traditional transit corridors.
The reserve’s lush bamboo forests, abundant water sources, and secure environment in areas like Khitauli, Tala, Panpatha, and Magadhi have made Bandhavgarh an ideal habitat for elephants, explaining their steady presence and increased movement in these regions.
The Bandhavgarh management urges locals to follow safety guidelines strictly, ensuring peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife in this critical conservation landscape.
About Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, located in Madhya Pradesh’s Umaria district, is one of India’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries, famous for its high density of Bengal tigers. Spread over core and buffer zones, it features rich biodiversity, ancient forts, and dense forests. Once the hunting grounds of Maharajas, it now serves as a vital habitat for tigers, leopards, and elephants.
