Remove invasive parthenium, lantana plants, PTR mgmt told

Daltonganj: The inspector general (IG) of Forest, Guwahati region of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), W Longvah, on Wednesday directed the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) management to weed out two invasive species of plants lantana and parthenium from the reserve forest.
Speaking to TOI, Longvah said, “The invasive weeds pose challenge to the eco-system of the habitat. These species are not consumed by the herbivores and also threaten other plant species.”
The IG on Wednesday night saw a pack of three leopards preying on a cheetal on road number 4 in Betla National Park. “It was a beautiful sight. The three leopards were quite busy with their cheetal,” he said.
Speaking about the relocation of the villagers residing in the core area of the PTR, he said all efforts are being made to relocate the villagers with their consent and willingness.
Referring to the shortfall of range officers, he said only four rangers are posted against the eight needed.
Deputy director (south) of PTR, Kumar Ashish, said ranger Tarun Kumar Singh is in charge of Garu East, Garu West, and Bareysanr.
Longvah left for Patna on Thursday to inspect the Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar. Terming his visit to the PTR as a “routine inspection,” he said, “Such inspection is done twice a year.”