Forest Staff Step Up Night Patrol, Vehicle Checks At Kawal Tiger Reserve

ADILABAD: In a bid to prevent road accidents involving wildlife, particularly during nighttime when animals venture out in search of drinking water, forest officials at the Kawal Tiger Reserve have intensified patrolling and vehicle monitoring.

To minimise wildlife casualties, forest staff are restricting the entry of heavy vehicles into the reserve during the night and enforcing strict vehicle monitoring protocols at the Indhanpalli check post. Cars and jeeps allowed entry must be registered, with drivers required to sign a logbook, encouraging adherence to speed limits and wildlife safety measures.

Officials said only emergency service vehicles — such as ambulances and milk supply carriers — are permitted during night-time hours.

Forest personnel have also stepped up night patrols along the Thallapet to Kothaguda forest stretch in Utnoor to monitor vehicle movements and prevent collisions with animals crossing roads in the dark.

In recent incidents, a black buck was rescued after straying into Mudhole town from nearby forests. Forest officials safely returned it to the wild. Another black buck was found injured near the Tahsildar’s office in Mudhole on April 11 after being chased by stray dogs. It was given first aid at a local veterinary hospital and later released into the Kollur Reserve Forest in the Mogili beat of Mudhole section under the Bhainsa Range. Officials believe the animal entered the town in search of water.

Additionally, forest staff noted that a tiger from the fringes of Kawal Tiger Reserve had recently crossed the Godavari river and entered Jagtial district, further underscoring the need for vigilance in wildlife corridors.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, forest officials at Indhanpalli check post reiterated their commitment to protecting wildlife and called on the public and motorists to cooperate with conservation measures.