Polling booths in tiger territory get fresh net cover in Sundarbans

KOLKATA: A 12km river stretch skirting the villages of Lahiripur, Jamespur, Kumirmari, Choto Mollakhali, and Jharkhali in Sundarbans in West Bengal has got fresh nylon nets to prevent tigers that stray out of the reserve forest from encroaching into human habitats and disrupting the poll process on June 1.

There are at least 57 polling booths in these villages on the edge of the forest. Spread across Gosaba and Kultali assembly constituencies under Jaynagar Lok Sabha seat, these villages have over 5 lakh voters.

Indian Sundarbans is home to at least 101 tigers, according to the latest census.

“With the elections approaching, vigilance has been increased and a 12km section of old fencing replaced,” Justine Jones, deputy field director, said, adding that much of their focus is on booths located along this vulnerable stretch.

Officials from South 24 Parganas division are monitoring additional 92km stretch protected by net fencing.