Sundarbans foresters place cages, nets to capture big cat in Jharkhali
Times of India | 8 February 2026
Kolkata: The tiger that entered Sundarbans' Tridibnagar village near Jharkhali on Friday morning has stayed put for close to 36 hours, with the forest department joining efforts to safeguard both the big cat and nearby human habitations. The tiger is probably hiding is an under-construction eco-tourism hub near Jharkhali Bazar, according to officials.
Foresters have surrounded the area, where it is suspected to be hiding, with nets to separate the zone from nearby human settlements.
"The location where it is now has human settlements around it. So, there is very little scope for it to return to the forest on its own," said divisional forest officer, South 24 Parganas, Nisha Goswami.
She added that this was probably the same tiger that had strayed into Deulbari village around 10 months ago after coming out of the tiger reserve area.
Since Jharkhali is a transit point for tourists, who visit the mangroves, and also houses a zoo-cum-rescue centre, popularly known as Sundarbans Wild Animal Park, the department is extra-cautious to avert any conflict.
"Jharkhali zoo was kept shut on Saturday for tourists to ensure their safety," added Goswami.
An official said that during the Deulbari incident last year, the big cat was driven back to the forest of Herobhanga. "Since Herobhanga compartment is also located close to Jharkhali's Tridibnagar area, we suspect that this is the same tiger that's repeatedly sneaking into the forest adjacent to human habitation," the official added.
According to Goswami, cages have also been placed with baits to capture the big cat. Tranquillizer teams have also been kept ready.