Kolkata/Jalpaiguri: A brief ease in rainfall has opened a crucial window for foresters trying to capture a tiger at Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve for the reintroduction programme at Buxa.Forest teams have taken their positions atop seven machans at strategic locations inside Valmiki, with baits placedto draw the tiger out so it can be safely darted. “The tiger hasn’t made a kill in at least four-five days, and we expect that it will come out to hunt. The baits will hopefully improve chances of capturing it,” said a source.Department sources, however, didn’t confirm if this was the big cat – a tigress – initially identified.The operation has been hit by persistent rain over the past several days, forcing teams to wait for conditions to improve. The delays have also prompted authorities to work on a faster transportation plan. Under the proposed plan, the tiger will be taken from Valmiki to Gorakhpur, the nearest suitable air base, in a specialised ambulance. After the over 110 km road journey, an Indian Air Force helicopter will carry the big cat to Hasimara air base in north Bengal. It will then be taken to Buxa by road.Sources said talks for permission have already been initiated with ministry of defence.Meanwhile, Buxa Tiger Reserve on Monday issued a notice suspending tourism activities between Sept 30 and Oct 3 for tiger reintroduction on Oct 2.Meanwhile, Buxa Tiger Reserve on Monday issued a notice suspending tourism activities between Sept 30 and Oct 3 for tiger reintroduction on Oct 2.
