Tiger Sighting Triggers Evacuation of Devotees From Ramadurgam Hill Temple

vijayawada:Forest authorities evacuated around 50 devotees to safety from the Lord Rama temple atop Ramadurgam Hill in Devipatnam mandal of newly formed Polavaram district on Wednesday after a tiger was spotted in the surrounding forest area.

Devotees from Rajamahendravaram, Kakinada and nearby areas had gathered early in the morning to offer special prayers on the occasion of the full moon. Taking swift action, the forest personnel reached the hill and informed the worshipers about the tiger’s movement and advised them to leave the place as a precaution. Everyone was brought down safely without incident.

Officials said the tiger has been roaming around Papikonda National Park for the last 40 days and has not attacked humans so far, but occasionally enters nearby settlements in search of prey.

“Our personnel evacuated the devotees from the hilltop as a precautionary measure to ensure their safety,” said Rampachodavaram DFO G. Siva Kumar.

Authorities are closely monitoring his movement and have launched efforts to capture him and shift him to a zoo in Visakhapatnam as per existing orders.

People living in forest fringe areas, especially near Purushottapatnam in East Godavari district, have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid entering forest areas.