Chhattisgarh has recently approved the creation of India’s third-largest tiger reserve, known as the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve. This new reserve combines two significant wildlife areas, the Guru Ghasidas National Park and the Tamor Pingla Sanctuary, covering a vast area of 2,829 square kilometers. The reserve spans across four northern districts of Chhattisgarh: Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Koriya, Surajpur, and Balrampur.
Addressing the Decline in Tiger Population
The primary reason behind establishing this new tiger reserve is to address the worrying decline in the state’s tiger population. Chhattisgarh’s tiger numbers have dropped dramatically from 46 tigers in 2014 to just 17 tigers in 2022. This alarming decrease highlighted the urgent need for better conservation efforts. The creation of the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve is a crucial step toward protecting and increasing the tiger population in the region.
Boosting Eco-Tourism and Employment
In addition to conservation, the new tiger reserve is expected to boost eco-tourism in Chhattisgarh. Eco-tourism involves visiting natural areas in a way that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. With the establishment of this tiger reserve, there will be more opportunities for tourists to explore the region’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty.
This initiative will also create employment opportunities for local communities. Jobs such as guides, tourist vehicle operators, and resort managers will become available, providing a sustainable source of income for people living in the surrounding areas. The reserve is expected to attract wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and tourists, further boosting the local economy.
The Largest and Second-Largest Tiger Reserves in India
The Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is the largest tiger reserve in India. Located in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, it covers an impressive area of 3,728 square kilometers. This reserve was established in 1983 and is part of the Nallamala forest area. The landscape of Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam includes plateaus, valleys, and the Krishna River, offering diverse habitats for tigers and other wildlife. The reserve is also home to historical and cultural sites, such as the ancient temples of Srisailam and the ruins of Nagarjuna Viswa Vidyalayam.
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The Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Telangana is the second-largest tiger reserve in India, spanning approximately 2,800 square kilometers. Like Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam, Amrabad is part of the Nallamala forest range. The reserve is known for its rich biodiversity, with various species of plants and animals thriving in its deep valleys, gorges, and along the Krishna River. Conservation efforts in Amrabad have been successful, leading to a significant increase in the tiger population, showcasing the effectiveness of habitat protection and management.
The creation of the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve marks an important step in preserving India’s wildlife heritage. By addressing the decline in tiger numbers and promoting eco-tourism, this new reserve will play a key role in both conservation and community development. As the third-largest tiger reserve in the country, it joins the ranks of Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam and Amrabad, further cementing India’s commitment to protecting its majestic tigers and their habitats.
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