Bareily/ Lucknow: A major controversy has erupted at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) after a tiger was dangerously encircled by safari vehicles on the Syphon Bridge, triggering widespread alarm and intense criticism from Uttar Pradesh’s Forest Minister, Dr. Arun Kumar.
The incident, captured in videos circulating online, shows the tiger stranded between two safari vehicles as tourists recorded the scene.
Officials have termed the incident a severe violation of wildlife safety protocols, escalating concerns about irresponsible tourism and management lapses inside one of India’s prominent tiger reserves.
Background of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve tiger encirclement
On December 11, a tiger from Pilibhit Tiger Reserve was seen walking along the Syphon Bridge—an area where animal movement is common due to the adjoining forested corridors. However, what unfolded next raised red flags across conservation circles.
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According to preliminary reports, safari vehicles approached the tiger from both sides, effectively blocking its escape route.
Eyewitness videos show the big cat visibly tense as vehicles moved dangerously close, a scenario that could have triggered a fatal attack or provoked the tiger to jump off the bridge in panic.
Forest Minister Dr. Arun Kumar called the situation “an extremely reckless act that put both human lives and the tiger at risk.” He emphasized that under no circumstances should wildlife be surrounded, chased, or blocked by tourism vehicles.
Minister’s Strong Reaction: Immediate Administrative Action
Within hours of the footage reaching the state headquarters, Forest Minister Dr. Arun Kumar ordered stringent disciplinary action:
Key Actions Taken
- Ranger Arjun Mohan Srivastava removed from his post
- Forester and forest guard on duty suspended with immediate effect
- All safari teams involved in the incident banned for the entire season
- A departmental inquiry initiated to investigate lapses and negligence
The minister reiterated that the responsibility of protecting wildlife lies squarely with frontline staff and any compromise will invite strict penalties.
PTR officials confirm that the Syphon Bridge area is not designed for tourist crowding, and vehicles should have maintained a significant distance.
Departmental Instructions and Enforcement Measures Pilibhit Tiger Reserve tiger encirclement
Following the minister’s directions, senior officers initiated an immediate internal review. Preliminary findings indicated:
- Failure to follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for tiger sightings
- Lack of proper supervision by field staff
- Unregulated movement of safari jeeps during peak wildlife activity hours
To prevent recurrence, the department has ordered:
- Mandatory retraining of safari drivers and guides
- Strict adherence to buffer-zone and core-zone movement restrictions
- Installation of additional monitoring systems, including patrolling cameras
Safari operators found violating protocols will face season-long suspension, heavy penalties, and potential legal action under the Wildlife Protection Act.
