Yavatmal: There has been an increase in tiger sightings in Mungoli coal mining area of Wani taluka over the past few days, creating an atmosphere of fear among workers and local residents. A tiger was spotted by workers along the roadside as recently as Friday. Dense bushes, presence of stray animals, and water sources on the vast stretches of land in villages and adjoining areas around coal and cement mines has made the region conducive for tiger habitation, said villagers and workers.Sighting of a tigress along with her cubs in the cement mining area suggests a possible rise in the big cat population in the region. Forest department officials have been alerted, and awareness campaigns are being conducted in affected villages like Shindola, Kurli, Shewala, Sawangi (New), Shivani, Hanuman Nagar, Yenak, Chankha, Parmadoh, Chikhli, and Takli.Local residents claimed farm labourers are reluctant to go to the fields, causing disruption to agricultural activities. “There is panic among farmers, agricultural labourers, mine workers and school children. The forest department should immediately install trap cameras near settlements and take necessary measures,” said Subhash Bhongale, former sarpanch of Shivani village.
