AND NOT PERTAIN TO GOA: CHIEF WILDLIFE WARDEN
AND NOT PERTAIN TO GOA: CHIEF WILDLIFE WARDEN
PANAJI: The Office of the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, Umakant, has clarified that the video circulating on social media, which depicts a tigress and her three cubs purportedly photographed in the Madhei Wildlife Sanctuary of Goa, is nearly three years old and does not pertain to the state of Goa.
Additionally, various news articles regarding tiger sightings have been published in several newspapers on October 29, 2024, which are also based on unfounded claims. The Department is responsible for implementing necessary protective measures within its jurisdiction, and as part of this effort, it has established 29 operational protection camps to monitor forest and wildlife areas.
In response to the reports of tiger sightings, the Department conducted a thorough reconnaissance and consulted local residents in the Chorla Ghat area, confirming that there have been no recent sightings recorded. Consequently, both the video featuring the tigress and her cubs and the newspaper reports have been deemed inaccurate.
It is important to recognize that the media holds a moral obligation to verify the accuracy of information prior to publication. In this instance, the media has significantly failed in its social responsibility by disseminating unverified information as fact.
The public is strongly encouraged to refrain from sharing such unverified videos, which may incite unnecessary panic. Media organizations are advised to avoid publishing sensitive information regarding Schedule I animals without carefully considering the serious implications of such actions.