Andhra Pradesh sets up high-level panel to probe tiger deaths in Srisailam reserve
The Andhra Pradesh government has ordered a high-level inquiry into the recent deaths of three tigers in the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR), raising fresh concerns over wildlife protection in the state.
The three deaths were reported within a span of less than three weeks in July. A tiger was found dead on July 13 in the Mustafa Rasta area of the Ramanna Penta section under the Gundlabrahmeswaram Range in the Nandyal Wildlife Division. A tigress carcass was later recovered on July 29 near the VRSP Canal at the Indireswaram West Beat in the same division. The third carcass was discovered on July 31 in the Racherla section of the Gundlakamma Range under the Giddalur Division.
Earlier this year, the first tiger death in the reserve was reported on May 24 at Gajulapalli in the Chelama beat of the Nandyal Wildlife Division. Forest officials said that death was believed to be due to natural causes, while the reasons for the three recent deaths have not yet been established.
According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), four tiger deaths have been officially recorded from Andhra Pradesh in 2026, all within the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve. The latest incidents correspond to the deaths reported between May and July, indicating an unusual clustering of mortality in a short period.
Deputy Conservator of Forests A. Srinivasulu said the causes of the deaths are under investigation and the state government has constituted a committee to ascertain the reasons.
Acting on the reports, the state's Environment and Forests department Principal Secretary, Kantilal Dande, issued Government Order Rt. No. 91 on August 3, constituting a high-level committee headed by retired Indian Forest Service officer P. Mallikharjuna Rao, who serves as Advisor to the government on forest development activities. The panel has been asked to submit a factual report within 72 hours and recommend long-term conservation measures within two months.
The committee includes Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Rahul Pandey, B. Rajasekhar of WWF-India, wildlife conservationist Imran Siddiqui, and retired zoo official M. Naveen Kumar. In addition to investigating the tiger deaths, the panel will recommend measures to strengthen anti-poaching operations, improve patrol systems, mitigate human-wildlife conflict, conserve wildlife corridors, enhance scientific monitoring, encourage community participation, and promote sustainable eco-tourism.
The Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve is the largest tiger reserve in India, spread across Nallamala forest in Andhra Pradesh and parts of Telangana. It is a critical habitat for the endangered Bengal tiger and supports a diverse range of flora and fauna. The recent deaths have drawn attention to the challenges of managing protected areas, including pressures from human activity, infrastructure development, and the need for effective monitoring.
Wildlife experts stress that timely investigation is essential to determine whether the deaths were caused by natural factors, disease, poaching, or territorial disputes. The outcome of the inquiry is expected to guide future conservation strategies in the reserve.
