Sajnekhali: A mesmerizing spectacle unfolds in the winter-chilled Sundarbans of West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district with the presence of ‘Phuleshwari,’ a majestic tigress capturing the hearts of lens-wielding enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Venturing into the depths of the Sundarbans, ‘Phuleshwari’ gracefully navigates the dense jungle, occasionally revealing herself along with her cubs to lucky onlookers. From seasoned guides to curious tourists, everyone is drawn to witness the charm of this beautiful tigress. It’s worth noting that the naming of this tigress as ‘Phuleshwari’ is not an official government designation but a name endearingly given by the locals, reflecting their deep affection.
On January 26th, a group of tourists, ranging from school teachers to engineers, embarked on a boat journey to catch a glimpse of ‘Phuleshwari.’ Muntu Haite, a lawyer and the leader of the group, shared, “On the morning of January 6th, we set out on a boat and were blessed to witness ‘Phuleshwari.’ Each one of us captured her essence through our lenses.”
Surajit Gupta, a teacher, skillfully wielded his lens to immortalize the enchanting presence of ‘Phuleshwari.’ The other members, including Bubai Dolui, Soma Datta, and Anupriya Hazra, also took turns in capturing the essence of this magnificent tigress. The joyous guide, Krishna Pad Mandal, and the boatman, Bholanath Mandal, also joined in the lens-wielding adventure.
Experts suggest that the Sundarbans’ increased focus on conservation initiatives by the state government has resulted in a rise in the tiger population. The tigers now enjoy a conducive environment for breeding, leading to more frequent sightings of tigresses with cubs, adding to the thrill of wildlife enthusiasts.
Mantu Babu, a knowledgeable local, emphasized the importance of cautious naming when it comes to tigers in the jungle. He revealed that while the official naming is a governmental affair, guides sometimes assign names for convenience. However, not all names resonate positively. He recalled an incident where a tiger named ‘Manushkheko’ (Man-Eater) stirred fear among the villagers. Such experiences highlight the delicate balance between conservation efforts and community engagement.
The lens-wielding adventure of capturing ‘Phuleshwari’ provides not only a visual treat but also underscores the successful conservation measures in Sundarbans, where the tiger population is thriving. As lens-wielding enthusiasts continue to document the lives of these majestic creatures, ‘Phuleshwari’ remains a symbol of nature’s resilience in the heart of Sundarbans’ winter wonderland.
