Jaipur, Nov. 24 -- The Centre has approved the use of an Indian Air Force helicopter to airlift a tigress from Madhya Pradesh to Rajasthan - marking the state's first-ever inter-state tiger translocation. The ministry of defence granted the clearance late Saturday evening after sustained follow-up by Rajasthan authorities, a senior forest official said. The helicopter will transport the tigress from Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh to the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (RVTR) in Bundi district. Officials said the aerial route will ensure a faster and safer transfer, significantly reducing the stress and injury risks associated with a road journey that would have taken more than 14 hours. With the airlift now approved, the tigress is expected to reach Rajasthan within two and a half hours. State wildlife authorities have been asked to finalise logistics, coordinate with forest and aviation teams, and ensure strict adherence to safety protocols. "This marks the first time Rajasthan will bring a tiger from another state to enhance conservation and improve genetic diversity," the official said. The Rajasthan Forest Department is preparing to translocate a total of five tigers-three from Madhya Pradesh and two from Maharashtra, likely all females-to strengthen tiger populations at Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve (MHTR) in Kota and RVTR in Bundi. The first two tigers, one for each reserve, are expected to be shifted next week, with the remaining translocations to follow in phases. The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has begun identifying the tigress selected for the maiden transfer. Currently, RVTR hosts seven big cats, including sub-adults, while MHTR has five, including a cub. To support the incoming tigers, the department will also release 150 chitals (spotted deer) across both reserves to bolster the prey base. Officials said Rajasthan plans to allow the MP-origin tigers to settle and establish territories before bringing in tigers from Maharashtra, which are generally considered more prone to conflict. This will be only the second time in Rajasthan's history that big cats are relocated by air; the first was in 2008, when a male tiger was flown from Ranthambore to Sariska, though that was an intrastate operation....