A healthy respect for wildlife is always advisable

Representation pic

In a widely shared video, two big cats can be seen walking on Padmapur-Moharli Road, abutting the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. Despite wild animals in the vicinity, several bikers are seen taking their pictures. There are horns blaring in the background. We also see some people getting dangerously close for a shot.

A report in this paper cited experts expressing shock and outrage at the scene. We certainly stand on the brink of a very dangerous situation if this is allowed to go on. If wildlife is spotted here frequently, there must be barricades to stop humans a certain distance away. Signs have to be put up to desist from blaring of horns. Extensive signage in fact is seen in all parks and surrounding areas, clear, visible and whether people heed or not, telling people how to behave, what to do and wise reactions they can adopt if they come across wildlife.

Security has to be present in certain pockets, preventing vehicles and people from accessing these patches on foot, if they are doing so. One already knows and has witnessed so many incidents resulting in tragedy where our selfie-happy people are too busy trying to get pictures to make them insta-famous and obviously ignoring the fact, or being oblivious to it, that this is a wild animal and encounters may be fatal.

In the likely event of indiscipline by the crowd and indifference to signage, there has to be punitive action and fines that pinch. One also has to wonder how so many bikers are present in that stretch amid Covid curbs. People just need to be so much more aware and disciplined whether on safari or around national parks. It is not just for their safety but a very healthy and necessary respect for animals. Reinforcing of this message, patrolling and punishment for flouting rules work together to stop this kind of behaviour.