The majestic tiger has faced a steep decline in numbers across the globe. In India, efforts to conserve and increase tiger populations have been ongoing for decades. Recently, Chhattisgarh took a decisive step to bolster these efforts by approving the creation of a new tiger reserve.
Chhattisgarh’s New Tiger Reserve
In response to a fall in tiger populations, Chhattisgarh has formally approved the establishment of a new tiger reserve. It’s a significant step forward in the state’s animal conservation initiatives. The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, which was just announced, will be India’s third largest, covering an astonishing 2,829 square kilometres over four northern districts of the state.
This decision follows the Chhattisgarh High Court’s intervention on July 15, which gave the state administration four weeks to respond to the application to declare the area a tiger reserve. The urgency of this decision is consistent with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which revealed a severe reduction in Chhattisgarh’s tiger population from 46 in 2014 to only 17 in 2022. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change has already raised this disturbing trend, citing similar concerns in several other states.
The recently named Tiger Reserve combines the Guru Ghasidas National Park and the Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary, which are located in the districts of Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Koriya, Surajpur, and Balrampur. This expansion intends to support tiger conservation efforts by establishing a continuous environment that promotes the survival and proliferation of these large animals.
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Strengthening India’s Tiger Conservation
In Chhattisgarh, the situation has been particularly concerning. The state’s unique geography, encompassing lush forests and diverse ecosystems, makes it an ideal habitat for tigers. However, the pressures of development, mining activities, and encroachment have led to habitat fragmentation. Adding a new tiger reserve strengthens India’s network of protected areas, contributing to preserving its rich biodiversity.
The Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh is India’s largest tiger reserve, covering 3,296.31 square kilometres, with the Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam coming in second at 2,837.1 square kilometres. Both reserves have 58 tigers each. The creation of the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve represents a significant step forward in India’s ongoing efforts to conserve and sustain its tiger populations.
Establishing a new tiger reserve in Chhattisgarh marks a pivotal moment in the state’s wildlife conservation efforts.
All image credits: Canva