Working under its long term plan to introduce big cats in Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, MP Forest Department is translocating spotted deer and swamp deer in bulk.

Officials said after developing habitat for tigers in the sanctuary, pair of tigers will be released into wild of Gandhi Sagar sanctuary that would help to extend the space and population growth of animals. In initial stage of the plan, green grasses and water arrangement are being done in the sanctuary.

Besides, Forest Department is also releasing Cheetals into wild of Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary as it is favourite food of tigers. For past one year, spotted deer is being released in sanctuary in groups. Officials said once spotted deer adopt new place, tigers will automatically grow there.

The team is continuously monitoring spotted deer in the sanctuary and also providing them sufficient food and water. From Narsinghpur to Van Vihar National Park, spotted deer are being captured for further releasing to the sanctuary.

After releasing groups of deer in the Sanctuary, officials noticed that number of female was higher than male. Then they decided to release some male deer to manage ratio. They said spotted deer are captured in a natural way through Boma technique so it is tough to capture male or female as per choice.

Last week around 22 Cheetals were released in the sanctuary from Van Vihar including 18 female and 4 male. In past one year, total 280 Cheetals have been released in the sanctuary. Forest officials said habitat of Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary is suitable for wildlife and there are sufficient food and water for herbivore. They said all preparation has been made to introduce carnivore animal there in the sanctuary.