Bhopal, April 24 -- With the recent addition of two new big cat sanctuaries, Madhya Pradesh has taken its tally to nine-reaffirming its title as India's 'Tiger State'. The move reflects the state's continued commitment to conservation, but it also brings protected forests closer than ever to human settlements.
The effect of this growing proximity is beginning to show. On April 21, Rajbali Baiga of Kusmaha village was attacked by a tiger while working in his field. The tiger, possibly drawn to a tubewell, struck just as Baiga paused for a drink. He survived with injuries to his leg. Earlier this month, a woman lost her life in a similar incident. With four attacks reported in Bandhavgarh in just two months, questions are being raised-not ab...