Chhattisgarh Establishes Third Largest Tiger Reserve Amid Decline

August 10, 2024

Chhattisgarh has recently approved the creation of the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve to address a sharp decline in the state’s tiger population. The new reserve combines an existing national park and a wildlife sanctuary, to improve conservation efforts despite some legal and environmental challenges.

Background of the Tiger Population Decline

The number of tigers in Chhattisgarh has dropped significantly, from 46 in 2014 to just 17 by 2022, according to a report by the National Tiger Conservation Authority in July 2023. This worrying decrease has alarmed conservationists and led to legal action to speed up the creation of new reserves. In July 2023, the Chhattisgarh High Court ordered the state government to decide on the proposed tiger reserve within four weeks. This order came after a public interest lawsuit was filed in 2019, criticizing the government’s slow response to tiger conservation.

Formation of the New Reserve

Recently, the Chhattisgarh cabinet approved the merger of Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Sanctuary, creating a new reserve that covers 2,829 square kilometers across four districts. This new reserve will be the fourth in Chhattisgarh and the third largest in India. The establishment of this reserve is expected to boost eco-tourism, creating jobs for local people in roles like guides and resort managers. The National Project Tiger Authority will support the reserve with additional funding for projects that help improve local livelihoods.

Comparison with Other Tiger Reserves

The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve has now become the third largest in India, following the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam and Manas reserves. These two larger reserves have been successful in maintaining stable tiger populations, and Chhattisgarh hopes to achieve similar success by improving its conservation efforts in this new reserve.

Facts about Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve

Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve is in Chhattisgarh, India.
It covers over 1,800 square kilometers.
Established in 1983 to protect wildlife.
Home to Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and over 200 bird species.
This reserve is within the larger Guru Ghasidas National Park.
Named after Guru Ghasidas, a 19th-century social reformer.
The area has dense forests and grasslands.
Vital for conservation in Central India.

Facts about the National Tiger Conservation Authority

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was set up in 2005 in India.
It works to protect tigers using a complete approach.
It operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The NTCA manages Project Tiger, which started in 1973 to save tigers and their habitats.
It works on protecting habitats, stopping poaching, and involving communities.
The NTCA works with different states to improve monitoring.

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