One of the Two Himalayan Bears Brought to Chhattisgarh Goes Missing, Forest Department in Turmoil

Raipur. A major controversy has erupted after one of the two Himalayan bears being transported from Nagaland to Chhattisgarh’s Nandanvan Jungle Safari mysteriously went missing. Wildlife activists and conservationists have raised serious concerns, alleging that the Forest Department is hiding the truth and that negligence led to the death of one of the bears.

Where Did the Himalayan Bear Disappear?

Under a wildlife exchange program, two Himalayan bears were being brought from Dimapur Zoo in Nagaland to Raipur’s Jungle Safari. In exchange, five spotted deer and two blackbucks were sent to Nagaland. However, upon arrival in Raipur, it was discovered that only one bear had reached the destination, while the whereabouts of the second remain unknown.

Is the Forest Department Covering Up the Death?

Wildlife activist Nitin Singhvi has alleged that the missing bear actually died during transportation due to the negligence of the Forest Department, and officials are trying to suppress this fact. If the bear has indeed died, several critical questions arise:

• When and how did the bear die?
• Where was the post-mortem conducted, and who performed it?
• Was the post-mortem report made public?
• Why was the information about the bear’s death concealed?

Negligence of Veterinary Doctors to Blame?

It is believed that improper handling by the veterinary team during transportation led to the bear’s death. Two expert doctors were assigned to bring the bears safely to Raipur. However, concerns have been raised regarding whether these doctors had adequate training for the safe transportation of such sensitive wildlife species.

Forest Department Under Scrutiny

This is not the first instance of negligence by the Chhattisgarh Forest Department. Recently, a female bison was transported alone from Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary to Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve, where it died soon after arrival. Previous cases of unexplained animal deaths in Jungle Safari and Kanan Pendari Zoo have also raised concerns, but the department has failed to provide satisfactory answers.

Demands for Action Against Officials and Suspension of Exchange Program

Wildlife activists and conservation organizations have put forward the following demands:

1. Immediate suspension of the wildlife exchange program between Jungle Safari and Kanan Pendari.
2. Suspension of the two veterinary doctors responsible for the bear’s transportation.
3. A transparent and independent investigation into the incident, with the findings made public.

Will the Government Take Responsibility?

The big question now is whether the Chhattisgarh government and the Forest Department will take accountability for this incident or try to brush it under the carpet. The loss of a Himalayan bear due to negligence is a serious matter, and unless strict action is taken, more wildlife species may continue to suffer the consequences of such mismanagement.