Yavatmal villagers in fear as tigers, cubs hit the road Fear has gripped residents of the Shindola area in Wani taluka, Yavatmal district, after frequent sightings of tigers in the nearby forest region have sparked panic among farmers and laborers. The movement of tigers into forests bordering villages has not only created anxiety but also triggered a severe livelihood crisis for those reliant on forest produce and agricultural work. On April 2, farmers traveling to their fields near Shindola Khan area spotted a tigress and her two cubs crossing a road. The farmers slowed their vehicle, captured footage on their phones, and alerted forest department officials. In response, the forest department installed trap cameras in the area to monitor tiger activity. Villages such as Kurli, Yenak, Hanuman Nagar, Chikhli, Takli, and Kolgaon, located close to the forest, face heightened risks. A significant tribal population resides in Kurli and Shindola, where many families depend on collecting forest produce like tendu leaves and other seasonal resources during summer for their livelihood. However, the presence of tigers has made entry into forest areas unsafe, leaving many laborers without work and pushing them into financial distress. Local farmer Anil Garghate explained that the availability of water and safe shelter in the hilly forest areas has led to an increase in tiger activity. "We have to risk our lives even while going to our fields," he said. Forest Guard Vijay Bobde confirmed that a tigress and her two cubs were spotted on the road in the Shindola area. "After receiving the information of the sighting, trap cameras have been installed to monitor the situation," he added. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of residents and the sustainability of livelihoods in the region.#yavatmal_district #shindola_area #wani_taluka #kurli #shindola
