Herders fined ₹10 lakh for grazing sheep in Kawal Tiger Reserve

The Forest Department has imposed a compound fine of ₹10 lakh on two groups of sheep herders from Gujarat for allowing a flock of around 600 migratory sheep to graze illegally in the Kawal Tiger Reserve, damaging a large plantation area in the reserve forest area in Utnoor division of Adilabad district.

Acting on specific information from local villagers about illegal sheep grazing by some non-locals, a team of forest officials rushed to the area and found a group of sheep herders who were using the plantation area for settlement, grazing and pruning. According to the statement of forest officials, a detailed investigation revealed that sheep herders in the Kutch region of Gujarat had been staying in the forest area for the last few days with a large number of sheep and five camels.

It was determined that the 70-hectare plantation seized in the Sirchelma section was severely damaged. Grasslands were developed to increase the herbivore population and the prey base of tigers was also found to be damaged. To prevent further damage to the forest, the herd of 600 goats was removed from the forest area by the staff.

Jadhav Karan Singh and Jadhav Rama, both from Gujarat, were arrested along with separate flocks of sheep. A total of ₹10 lakh (₹5 lakh each) was collected as combined fee.

Illegal grazing and pruning of goats and sheep is an offense punishable by three years under the Forest Act, Adilabad District Forest Officer Prashanth Bajirao Patil said in a statement. To report any illegal sheep grazing or any forest crime call toll-free number 1926, 8004255364.