Have three missing officials involved in the tiger survey been found safe in Kerala?
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Synopsis
Three officials lost during a tiger survey in Kerala's Bonakkad inner forest have been located safe after an intense search. Learn about the challenges they faced and the rescue efforts that brought them back. This story highlights the risks involved in wildlife surveys and the ongoing commitment to the safety of forest personnel.
Key Takeaways
- Three officials were found safe after going missing in a forest.
- Intensive search efforts were conducted through the night.
- Communication was lost due to the dense forest cover.
- Authorities will reassess safety protocols for wildlife surveys.
- Forest Minister confirmed the positive outcome of the search.
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 2 (NationPress) Following extensive search efforts, three officials who had gone missing in the Bonakkad inner forest of Kerala during a tiger population assessment were found safe on Tuesday morning.
A rescue team located them at Eratumukku, a secluded and dense forest area adjacent to Bonakkad, early in the day.
Authorities confirmed that the team is currently being guided back to safety.
The individuals involved include Vineetha, a female forester from the Palode Range Office, BFO Rajesh, and forest watcher Rajesh. They entered the Bonakkad forest on Monday morning for a routine tiger survey.
The team was anticipated to return by evening, but communication was lost shortly after they delved deeper into the forest.
After unsuccessful attempts to reach them, authorities initiated a search operation late that evening.
The Rapid Response Team (RRT), along with local forest personnel familiar with the challenging terrain, commenced a combing operation throughout the night.
Located along the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, the Bonakkad region encompasses the ecologically sensitive Agasthyarmala belt, which is characterized by difficult terrain, limited connectivity, and wildlife presence—factors that raised concerns among officials.
Senior officials, including the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), oversaw the search efforts and arrived at the location early Tuesday.
Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran, who previously remarked that it was “too early to declare them missing” and that only communication had been interrupted, confirmed the positive outcome, stating that all three officials are safe and being escorted out.
Initial reports indicate that the officials lost their way after straying beyond the designated survey route, and the thick forest cover hindered communication.
Authorities mentioned that medical teams are on standby, although early assessments suggest that all three are in good health.
With the successful recovery of the team, forest officials are expected to reassess safety protocols for field staff conducting wildlife surveys in high-risk areas.
Point of View
It is vital to highlight the importance of safety measures in wildlife research. The successful recovery of the three officials underlines the need for rigorous training and preparation for field staff engaged in high-risk environments. Such incidents serve as a reminder of the dedication and bravery of those who work tirelessly to study and protect wildlife.
NationPress
02/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the missing officials?
The three officials were found safe after an extensive search operation in the Bonakkad inner forest during a tiger survey.
Where were they located?
They were located in Eratumukku, a remote area within the dense forest near Bonakkad.
What caused the communication breakdown?
The officials lost communication after moving beyond the mapped survey route, and the dense forest hindered their ability to connect.
What are the next steps for the forest authorities?
Forest authorities are expected to review and enhance safety protocols for field staff involved in wildlife surveys.
Are the officials safe?
Yes, preliminary reports indicate that all three officials are safe and in good health.
