States » EastPosted at: Oct 1 2026 8:38PM


Bengal: Buxa ready for historic return of tiger as three-year-old tigress set for release

Siliguri, Oct 1 (UNI) For years, Buxa’s forests have been without the roar of a tiger, but that is set to change on Friday with the release of a three-year-old tigress from Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve, marking the start of West Bengal’s first organised tiger reintroduction programme.
The tigress, tranquilised at Valmiki on Tuesday evening after several days of efforts amid heavy rain, was airlifted to Hasimara and subsequently brought to Buxa.
She is now being kept under observation in a specially prepared enclosure. Forest Minister Manoj Kumar Oraon said on Wednesday that the animal was healthy and showing normal behaviour.
The Forest Department has made extensive preparations for the reintroduction. A prey base has been strengthened with the release of deer, while further releases may be undertaken if required.
The department also plans to introduce more tigers in phases, with the long-term objective of establishing a viable breeding population in Buxa. Oraon has described the initiative as a “historic” step for Bengal.
Forest Minister also said that some wild boars and rhinos would be released in phases in the Buxa Tiger Reserve, where the tigress is scheduled to be released on Friday.
A major programme has been organised at the Alipurduar Parade Ground, where a large gathering is expected to watch the release through a live telecast.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is scheduled to attend the programme along with union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav, Forest Minister Manoj Kumar Oraon and other dignitaries.
Yadav arrived in Alipurduar on Thursday evening and was received by Alipurduar MP Manoj Tigga. Senior officials and other ministers are also involved in the arrangements for the programme.
The Forest Department has also prepared exhibition stalls showcasing forests, wildlife and conservation initiatives. Students from schools and colleges are expected to be involved in the programme. The stalls will remain open after the main event for visitors.
Tourism activities inside Buxa Tiger Reserve have been suspended from September 30 to October 3 as part of the security and operational arrangements for the reintroduction.
The Forest Department has appealed to locals to cooperate with officials and support the project. For people of Alipurduar and the Dooars, who have long wanted tigers to return to Buxa, Friday’s release is expected to be a closely watched moment.
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Tags: #Bengal: Buxa ready for historic return of tiger as three-year-old tigress set for release
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