Hyderabad Top News

Panther Panic: Forest officials alert nearby villages Shamshabad to be cautious

3113cad3 2a23 43d5 A2b1 53f18ec8f195

Hyderabad: As the sight of a panther created panic in and around the villages at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, the forest department officials on Sunday have alerted all the nearby villages to be vigilant from now on. In the early hours on Sunday, the patrolling officials spotted a panther on the runway of the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.

Speaking to the Hyderabad Mail, the Divisional Forest Officer, Shivaiah said that they have informed all the villages, which are near the boundary of airport. “We have advised villagers to take necessary precautions in the evenings and in the early hours of the day.”

He further added that forest officials are continuously monitoring the situation on ground and co-ordinating with the airport officials. “In case of emergency, arrangements are also made to capture the animal for which a rescue team with vehicles is also placed near Airport. The situation is being monitored by senior officials including Chief Wildlife warden.”

Placement of camera traps and a cage

As of now, the Forest officials have already spotted the panther in one of the CCTV footage and understood that the animal has come to a nearby water pool at the airport. Following which it was also spotted at the runway of the RGI airport by the patrolling staff. Once this sighting was informed by the police, they alerted the Telangana State forest officials, who sprung into action to trace the animal and to trap it.

In this context, forest officials have also informed that they have arranged a cage and camera traps to track the movement of the big cat in strategic locations in the nearby villages at the Airport. The forest officials are on the task of setting up the same from afternoon till evening.

These cameras will help in tracking the movement of the panther, if it passes through those areas. The footprints would also help them in tracing the location of the animal.