Forest department driver suspended for giving water to Kuno's cheetahs in viral video
Forest officials say it is risky for humans to develop a bond with Kuno’s cheetahs as it may encourage the latter to enter human settlements
A viral video of a forest department employee offering water to thirsty cheetahs of Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park in the sweltering heat has melted the hearts of several netizens. However, the officer, identified as Satyanarayan Gurjar, a forest department driver, has been suspended from his job for the same.
Also read: Modi govt failed to protect tribals' rights, says Rahul, urges it to defend Forest Rights Act
‘Comfort around humans risky’
Kuno Forest Division officers visited the spot to remove Satyanarayan from his position as a forest department driver, fearing that his actions may make the animals more comfortable around humans, leading them to enter human settlements.
Forest department officials said that while the act of offering water to the animals shows a growth in the behaviour between the villagers and their attitude towards wildlife, a bond between them is a risky proposition.
“We would not want them to get this close and develop any bond like this,” they added, stating the earlier safety concerns.
Also read: Tension at Hyderabad University as students protest clearing of nearby forest land
The viral video
In the video, Satyanarayan is seen approaching the cheetahs with a jerry can of water in his hand. He takes cautious steps towards the animals resting under a tree and pours water for them into a steel plate.
People are heard off the camera, beckoning the animals to come closer. The animals get up and approach Satyanarayan, drinking the water from the plate.
Many netizens called it a heart-warming moment, symbolising a peaceful coexistence.
This incident happened just two weeks after the cheetah, Jwala, and her four cubs, were pelted with stones by villagers.