Chhattisgarh government announced that the state is set to have Guru Ghasidas National Park in Kotiya district as its fourth ‘tiger reserve’. This decision was taken in the 11th meeting of the Chhattisgarh State Wildlife Board chaired by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) had approved to declare Guru Ghasidas National Park as a tiger reserve in 2014.
Key Highlights of Meet
Emphasis was laid on the increasing number of tigers in Chhattisgarh and their safety measures like radio-collaring system for tiger safety as well as resettlement of more cheetahs from Barnavapara Sanctuary to Guru Ghasi Das National Park and Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve.
Drafting of action plans for conservation of wild buffalo (wild animal of Chhattisgarh), hill myna (state bird of Chhattisgarh), and vultures. At least 5 species of vultures are found in Achanakmar tiger reserve, Guru Ghasidas National Park, and Mainpat in Surguja.
The decision was also taken to develop water sources for wild animals in the state’s forests, construction of large ponds in the forest villages and plantation of fruits and vegetables especially Narwali vegetables, plantation of bamboo and banana so that these wild animals won’t have to wander here and there for food and fodder.
Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh: At present, there are three tiger reserves in the state: Achanakmar Tiger Reserve in Bilaspur, Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve in Gariaband, and Indravati Tiger Reserve in Bijapur district.
Lemru Elephant Reserve: During the meet, a notification regarding the formation of the Lemru Elephant Reserve was also made. It will come into existence soon by merging forest areas of Korba, Katghora, Dharamjigarh, and Surguja forest divisions of Korba, Raigad, and Surguja districts. The total area records to be of about 1995 sq-km.
Sanjay-Dubri National Park and Tiger Reserve were established in 1975 to conserve the biodiversity-rich forest area of the district. Comprising an Evergreen Sal forest, it is home to about 152 species of birds 32 species of mammals, 11 species of reptiles, 03 species of amphibian, and many more, 34 species of freshwater fishes. The major species found are tiger, Sloth bear, Chital, Nilgai, Chinkara, Sambar (limited to hilly terrain and in very small number), leopard, Dhole (wild dog), Jungle Cat, Hyena, Porcupine, Jackal, Fox, Indian Wolf, Indian Python Four-horned Antelope, and Barking deer.
Sanjay National Park which is a part of Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve is the most popular place to visit. The Tiger Reserve comprises Sanjay National Park and the Dubri Wildlife Sanctuary, both of which cover more than 831 sq. km and are located in Sidhi District. The area with its large size and rich biodiversity is well-known. It has Sal, Bamboo, and mixed forests.
