Tiger population is plunging day by day and has become a red alert. Amid this , Chhattisgarh on Wednesday is set to establish it’s fourth tiger reserve,making it the third largest in the Chhattisgarh government cleared a long pending proposal to notify a new tiger reserve. The Guru-Ghasidas Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve will span an impressive area of 2829.387 sq.km across 4 northern districts of state which include Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur , Korea, Surajpur and Balrampur. This project is seen as a financial aid for the state which will provide employment for rural people.
Debates over it :
According to National Tiger Conservation Authority report which was released in July 2023, Chhattisgarh’s tiger population fell from 46 in 2014 to 17 in 2022. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has given a statement in 2023 regarding the decline that,”Some states including Mizoram, Nagaland, Jharkhand, Goa , Chhattisgarh and Arunachal Pradesh have reported disquieting, trends with small tiger population”. In 2019, wildlife activist Ajay Dubey had filed PIL in High Court asking the reason for the decline in census of tiger population.The decision to pass the Guru Ghasidas Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve was taken by the Chhattisgarh cabinet,led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, following recommendations from the State Wildlife Board and The National Tiger Conservation Authority under the ministry of Environment , Forest and Climate Change.
Importance and it’s mission:
The establishment of Guru Ghasidas Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, is expected to provide eco tourism in the state ,which will create numerous employment opportunities for people living in core and buffer zone which will further aid in increasing economic status of the state. This is also expected to bring additional funding from the National Project Tiger Authority, which will be utilised to benefit both wildlife and people. It will improve the livelihood of the local population and also in bringing developmental projects in the surrounding villages thereby leading more prosperous life. It will mark a significant milestone in Chattisgarh ‘s conservation efforts.Besides all these ,its primary focus will be in conserving the tiger population by providing them their favourable natural environment. It has been a cause for concern for the Chattisgarh tiger population.Census has been declined from last few years and situation is tensed for everyone. By fostering a collaborative approach to conservation, Chhattisgarh is an example for other states to follow on preserving India’ rich wildlife heritage
