Tiger sighting alert triggers search near Mysuru airport

The Forest Department has launched a search operation following reports of suspected tiger movement in and around the Mysuru airport premises.

The department was alerted about a tiger being sighted near the Mysuru–Nanjangud National Highway, close to the airport, at around 6.30 a.m. on January 5. Based on the information, forest officials, along with airport security personnel, rushed to the spot and examined CCTV footage, which confirmed the presence of a big cat.

Subsequent searches revealed pugmarks inside the airport premises, indicating that the wild cat had entered the area. Tiger hair and blood stains were noticed on the airport’s boundary fencing, which were examined and confirmed by veterinarians.

Acting on instructions from senior forest officials, more than 100 personnel were deployed in five to six teams to comb the airport premises and surrounding areas. Pugmarks were traced up to a distance of about 1.5 km from the airport. Thermal drones were also used to scan the area, but no further sighting of the tiger was reported.

As a precautionary measure, a walk-through cage has been installed on the airport premises, while drone surveillance was also carried out in a nearby factory. On January 6, kumki elephants were brought in and stationed at the Yelwal Aloka Palace premises to assist in tracking and capture operations, if required.

“So far, there is no confirmed evidence of the tiger currently being present in the area. However, surveillance will continue to ensure public safety,” said Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Mysuru division, Paramesh K.

Areas inside the TVS factory near Kadakola were also scanned with thermal cameras, but there were no signs of tiger movement, a press release from the DCF said.

The Forest Department has advised residents of nearby villages to avoid venturing outdoors at night, not to pay attention to rumours, and cooperate with officials until the ongoing operations conclude.