CHHATTISGARH APPROVES NEW TIGER RESERVE AMID POPULATION DECLINE

Why in the news?

Chhattisgarh approves a new 2,829.387 sq km tiger reserve to combat a drastic decline in its tiger population, integrating Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Sanctuary for conservation.

CHHATTISGARH APPROVES NEW TIGER RESERVE AMID POPULATION DECLINE - UPSCsource:medium

About Chhattisgarh to Get New Tiger Reserve:

  • Chhattisgarh’s tiger population fell from 46 in 2014 to 17 in
  • The state approved a new tiger reserve spanning 2,829.387 sq km across four northern districts.
  • This will be the state’s fourth and the third largest in the country.

Tiger Conservation Efforts:

  • The new reserve integrates Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Sanctuary.
  • It aims to foster eco-tourism, creating jobs for villagers as guides and operators.
  • Additional budget and projects for wildlife conservation will be provided.

Official Statements and Historical Context:

  • The Union Ministry flagged Chhattisgarh’s declining tiger population in a 2023
  • A 2019 PIL by activist Ajay Dubey highlighted government inaction on declaring the reserve.
  • The Chhattisgarh High Court recently urged quick action, leading to the state’s decision.
About Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Sanctuary:

Location and New Status:

  • The new tiger reserve is in northern Chhattisgarh, bordering Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand.
  • It will be the fourth tiger reserve in Chhattisgarh, following Udanti-Sitanadi, Achanakmar, and Indravati.

Approval Process:

  • Proposal approved by NTCA’s 11th Technical Committee on October 1 under Section 38K(1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Reserve Composition:

  • Includes Guru Ghasidas National Park (1,440 sq km) and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary (608.5 sq km).
  • Guru Ghasidas is in Koriya district, Tamor Pingla is in Surajpur district.

Historical Context:

  • Guru Ghasidas was the last habitat of Asiatic cheetahs in India.
  • The area has been under consideration as a tiger reserve since 2011.