At Ranthambore, two cubs sighted
In heartening news, officials have reported confirmed sighting of two tiger cubs at Ranthambore Tigre Reserve. The cubs have been born to tigresses T-69 and T-79, both first time mothers. The number of cubs may be more, officials said.
The authorities spotted the cubs in Thumka and Sawai Man Singh sanctuary areas.
Chief conservator of forest and field director, Ranthambore Tiger Project, Y K Sahu said, “The camera traps recently recorded a cub with T-69 in Thumka area, which is a non-tourism zone. We assume that there could possibly be one or more cubs. T-69 is daughter of T-30. The tigress has given birth for the first time.”
Another camera trapping a lone cub in Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary area, Sahu said, adding its mother could be T-79, daughter of T-13. She too has given birth for the first time.
Last year in September, T-39 had given birth to three cubs.
With the new additions, Ranthambore now has 20-22 cubs, and 45-47 adult tigers, officials said.
As with rise in the tiger population, the Rajasthan government has begun working on modern, advanced and intelligent surveillance system to ensure effective monitoring of wildlife and their conservation.
The project will be implemented in critical areas of Ranthambore, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Mukundra Tiger Reserve, Jawaibag Leopard Conservation Reserve and Jhalana Natural Park. Also for effective monitoring, the forest department has also banned entry of vehicles without GPS in Ranthambore.
Punjab finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal on Friday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government at the Centre, alleging atrocities against Dalits and women have increased under the BJP rule.
A crime is committed against a Dalit every nine minute in the BJP rule and maximum number of cases of atrocities on Dalits has been reported from Rajasthan, he claimed.
Badal was in Jaipur as part of the Congress’ campaign to highlight the failures of the Narendra Modi dispensation, which has completed its three-years in the government.
Addressing newspersons, he said atrocities against Dalits have increased by 14.2%.
He alleged that employment opportunities for Dalits have also reduced compared to the former UPA government’s rule and held the BJP responsible for attacks on the minority community.
During the Congress regime in 2013, employment was provided to 92,928 people, which in the BJP regime is only 8,436, a drop by 91%, he said.
The budget for Dalit welfare schemes too have been reduced by 94%, he said.