Amid Declining Tiger Population Chhattisgarh to Get a New Tiger Reserve

In response to the alarming decline in its tiger population, Chhattisgarh has announced the creation of the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve. 

This initiative reflects the state’s commitment to conserving its dwindling tiger numbers and safeguarding the rich biodiversity within its forests. Chhattisgarh, once home to a significant number of tigers, has seen a steady decline in their numbers due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. The new tiger reserve aims to address these challenges by providing a protected environment where tigers can thrive.

The proposed reserve will span over 2,829 sq km merging Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary located in the districts of Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Koriya, Surajpur, and Balrampur. This region is known for its dense forests and diverse wildlife, making it an ideal location for tiger conservation. The reserve will cover an extensive area, providing ample space for the tiger population to grow and ensuring that they have access to sufficient prey and water resources.

The urgency of this decision aligns with the findings of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which reported a significant decline in Chhattisgarh's tiger population, dropping from 46 in 2014 to only 17 in 2022.

The establishment of this tiger reserve is part of a broader strategy by the Chhattisgarh government to enhance wildlife conservation efforts across the state. Alongside the new reserve, there will be increased monitoring of tiger populations, anti-poaching measures, and community awareness programs to foster coexistence between humans and wildlife.

While the creation of a new tiger reserve is a positive step, it will require sustained efforts and collaboration between government agencies, conservationists, and local communities to ensure the long-term survival of Chhattisgarh’s tigers. After Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh, covering 3,296.31 sq km, and Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam ranking second, spanning 2,837.1 sq km, Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve will be the third largest in India.