New Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh

• 08 Aug 2024

Why in News?

Recently, The Chhattisgarh government decided to declare a new tiger reserve covering areas of Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla wildlife sanctuary in the state.

• This will be the fourth tiger reserve in the state.

Key Points

• Creation of the tiger reserve will lead to the development of eco-tourism and generate employment opportunities for villagers living in its core and buffer areas.
  • As per the recommendation of State Wildlife Board and the consent of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Union Ministry of Forest and Climate Change, the cabinet has decided to notify Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in an area of 2,829.387 sq km.
• Currently, the state has three tiger reserves - Indravati (in Bijapur district), Udanti-Sitanadi (Gariaband) and Achanakmar (Mungeli).

Guru Ghasidas National Park

• About:
  • Named after the Satnami reformist, Guru Ghasidas, is the result of the carving of Chhattisgarh from Madhya Pradesh in the year of 2000. It is located in the Koriya district of Chhattisgarh.
  • The park has undulating topography and it falls under the Tropical climate zone.
• Biodiversity:
  • Flora: The vegetation consists mainly of mixed deciduous forest with teak, sal and bamboo trees.
  • Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Chital, Nilgai, Chinkara, Jackal, Sambar, Four-horned Antelope etc.

Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary

• About:
  • It is located in the Surajpur district of Chhattisgarh bordering Uttar Pradesh. It is named after Tamor hill and Pingla Nalla.
  • Tamor hill and Pingla Nalla are considered to be the old and prominent features of the sanctuary area.
• Biodiversity:
  • Flora: Mixed deciduous forests dominate the sanctuary. Sal and bamboo forests are seen all through.
  • Fauna: Tigers, Elephants, leopards, bears, sambar deer, blue bulls, chital, bison and many such animals are found here.