Plan to set up 2 soft-release centres for cheetals in PTR

DALTONGANJ: The management of Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) has planned to set up two soft-release centres for cheetals at Burha Pahar and Jogiadera under the Garu West range respectively, PTR’s deputy director (south division) Kumar Ashish said.
The centre at Burha Pahar has been proposed in a bid to augment the prey base for the carnivores in the Kutku range of the PTR.
“A proposal has been sent to principal chief conservator of forest (PCCF) wildlife. The plan will be finalised by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) on the recommendation of the PCCF-wildlife,” PTR’s field director Kumar Ashutosh said.
The PTR management said the centre at Burha Pahar will be spread over 15 acres between Chapiya and Kulhi villages in Burha Pahar. The project cost is estimated at Rs 60 lakh.
PTR officials selected Burha Pahar as the centre after researching about its topography, which comprised sufficient grassland and rain-fed rivers in the vicinity.
“Once we get the NTCA nod to set up both the centres, we will initiate translocation of cheetals from Betla National Park in the ratio of one male to three female,” Ashish said.